A former bookkeeper for Dupo School District 196 has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for embezzling $135,566.80 from the district. Linda J. Johnson, 58, of Waterloo, misappropriated funds intended for student athletics and extracurricular activities during her nearly three-decade tenure with the district.
Key Takeaways
- Linda J. Johnson embezzled over $135,000 from Dupo School District 196.
- She created fraudulent deposit slips to conceal her theft.
- Johnson was sentenced to 15 months, including three months in prison and 12 months in community confinement.
- She must pay restitution to the school district and an insurance company.
Details of the Embezzlement
Johnson was employed by the Dupo School District from 1993 until her resignation in 2022. During this time, she was responsible for managing funds related to various student activities. However, she exploited her position by pocketing cash that was meant to be deposited into the school’s bank account.
According to federal court documents, Johnson devised a scheme involving two sets of deposit slips. One set accurately reflected the cash and checks received for extracurricular activities, while the other set, which she submitted to the bank, only listed checks. This manipulation allowed her to keep the cash for personal use.
A thorough investigation revealed a total of 165 fraudulent transactions, leading to her arrest. When confronted by her supervisor, Johnson admitted to taking the cash for personal expenses.
Legal Proceedings
In October, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a federally funded program. The case was presided over by Judge Stephen P. McGlynn of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the breach of trust involved in her actions, given her long-standing position within the school district.
Sentencing Details
- Total Sentence: 15 months
- Prison Time: 3 months
- Community Confinement: 12 months
- Restitution: Required to pay back the embezzled amount to Dupo School District 196 and the Ohio Casualty Insurance Company.
Johnson’s attorneys did not provide immediate comments following the sentencing. The case has raised concerns about financial oversight within educational institutions, prompting discussions on the need for stricter controls to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Linda J. Johnson serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in public service roles, especially in educational settings where funds are meant to support student development. As the community reflects on this incident, it highlights the necessity for vigilance and accountability in managing public resources.
