CARROLLTON — The former school treasurer pleaded guilty to theft in office Thursday after an investigation revealed she had stolen money from the district and fabricated records to conceal her actions.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Amy Spears, former treasurer for Carrolton Exempted Village Schools, admitted to a single felony count during a hearing in Carroll County Common Pleas Court.
The Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) launched an investigation into Spears following anonymous complaints.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Man who shot 3 Ohio police officers in ambush had 100 pounds of explosive material in his car
- City issues cease and desist to senior living facility; residents report mold, no AC
- Woman dies after being hit by car in Kroger parking lot
These complaints alleged that Spears had cashed a district check for $5,000 made out to herself.
When confronted, Spears returned the full amount to the district’s bank account.
Further investigations by SIU uncovered that Spears had received approximately $22,000 in reimbursements for college classes during periods when she was not enrolled, using fraudulent documents she created.
Spears was indicted in Carroll County Common Pleas Court in May 2025.
Spears’ actions have led to her being barred from public sector work, and she is set to be sentenced on Oct. 7.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group