A former employee of the Dupo Community Unit School District #196 has been sentenced to 15 months for embezzling over $135,000. Linda J. Johnson, 58, from Waterloo, will serve three months in federal prison and an additional 12 months in community confinement.
Johnson pleaded guilty to theft from a federally funded program. Besides imprisonment, she must repay $135,566.80 to the school district and the Ohio Casualty Insurance Company.
The embezzlement occurred during her tenure in the superintendent’s office between 2016 and 2022. Johnson was tasked with depositing funds into the district's activities account meant for student programs. She misappropriated donations intended for various school activities by manipulating bank deposit slips.
Johnson executed 165 fraudulent transactions resulting in significant financial loss to the district and its insurer. The school district emphasized that this crime harmed students and staff, violating public trust.
District officials expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies involved in the case, asserting their commitment to protecting resources and maintaining accountability. They believe the court's decision underscores that such misconduct will not be tolerated.
The investigation was conducted by the Dupo Police Department and FBI Springfield Field Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft prosecuting.