Monday, November 23, 2009

Rhode Island Woman Charged With Bilking School Lunch Program Out Of $335K

Beverly E. Howard, 53, of Westerly, Rhode Island, has been charged with embezzling $334,778.31 from Chartwells, the company that runs the East Lyme, Connecticut school system's food service program. Howard, who allegedly stole the money to support a gambling habit, was charged with first degree larceny. She had been employed as Chartwells' "Director of Dining." In an affidavit, Howard stated that she took cash out of the cafeteria revenues before making the daily deposits into the school lunch fund and created false deposit logs to cover the differences.

Read the story here, here and here.

Update (4/13/10): Howard pleaded guilty today to one count of first degree larceny charges and faces up to 16 years in prison upon sentencing. She has agreed to pay full restitution as well. Read the updated story here.

Update (6/10/10): Howard was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in state prison with all but 9 months suspended. She was also ordered to pay $100 per month over five years ($6,000) as restitution, to her employer. Read the story here.

No comments: