Records may pinpoint amount of Meadow Heights theft

PATTON, Mo. -- A case of missing money in the Meadow Heights School District dates back more than a year, but officials there say how much was taken is still unknown.

Superintendent Mike Miller said he expects to receive financial records from the school district's bank this week that should pinpoint the exact amount of money believed to be stolen by a former employee.

Auditors were called in to review the district's finances last week following the discovery of missing money and the firing of the district's bookkeeper.

"We know that it's several thousand dollars as of now," said Miller. "As soon as we get the exact amount, we'll turn it over to the highway patrol, and I'm sure charges will be filed."

Miller said the financial discrepancies date back to early 2002, before he took over as superintendent.

The previous superintendent, Duane Schindler, retired at the end of the 2002 school year.

Schindler said he was surprised at the allegations.

"I'm disappointed and feel a certain degree of responsibility," Schindler said. "Sometimes you put your trust in someone and you get fooled."

Sgt. Larry Plunkett with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said his office and the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department are investigating the theft.

Plunkett said an investigation such as this usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the audit results. No criminal charges have yet been filed.

cclark@semissourian.com

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