Former Minnesota School Exec Charged In $1.4 Million Embezzlement From Native American Charter School

Joel Wayne Pourier, 39, of Shakopee, Minnesota, has been charged with several charges of "theft by swindle" for embezzling nearly $1.4 million from an American Indian charter school in Minneapolis, where he had served as executive director. Pourier's thefts from the Oh Day Aki Heart of the Earth Charter School, allegedly occurred over a five year period between 2003 and 2008. According to the complaint, Pourier forged signatures and transferred money from school accounts to his own bank accounts. Authorities describe Pourier's lifestyle as "lavish" alleging that he spent the money on a half million dollar home, high end vehicles and strip clubs. Meanwhile, the school was forced to close last year as a result of the apparent thefts and mismanagement. School board officials claim Pourier lied about his background to get the job.

Read the story here, here and here.

Read the criminal complaint here.

Update (7/12/10): Pourier pleaded guilty to eight felony counts of theft by swindle.