Former school employee accused of stealing $13,000 from district

SAXONBURG, Pa. — Police say a former school district employee was stealing money meant for students.

They say she was slipping money from the "clubs and fundraisers" fund.

Channel 11 had a brief conversation with Paula Vaughan, the former athletic department secretary charged with stealing more than $13,000 while working at South Butler School District.

TRENDING NOW:

• Bond denied for ex-boyfriend of murdered Pitt student
• 'Defenseless people': Gunman kills 26 at South Texas church
• Chelsea Handler's tweet about Texas church shooting draws ire
• VIDEO: Woman Punched In Face While Being Removed From Football Game

She said little beyond referring us to her attorney.

It's not the answer school leaders are looking for. They want to hold her accountable on charges she used an elaborate system to steal thousands of dollars meant for students.

Investigators say they've built a strong case against her.

"She confessed to stealing almost $14,000. Part of her duties is she had access to ticket sale money, fundraiser money and stuff like that,” said Trooper Dan Kesten, of the Pennsylvania State Police.

According to the criminal complaint, Vaughan stole cash from the student activities fund and attempted to cover up the crime by replacing it with money from other sources, like pay to play, drivers ed and summer recreation fees.

The district noticed irregularities with the accounting and alerted police in March.

In a statement to Channel 11, a district spokeswoman says Vaughan resigned after being questioned about the money, adding:

"Throughout this process, the District has worked closely with the State Police to ensure that all misappropriated funds are recovered by the District and that the employee-in-question is held to account for their conduct."

Vaughan is facing two felony charges for taking the money.

She's scheduled to be in court for her preliminary hearing next month.

Cox Media Group