Former Ernest Ward Middle School Bookkeeper Charged With Embezzling Over $50,000
November 7, 2024
A former Ernest Ward Middle School bookkeeper has been charged with embezzling over $50,000 in cash from the school and its organizations.
Lindsey Dawn Kelley, age 41 of McDavid, was released on a $100,000 bond after being charged with grand theft, scheme to defraud and false entry in books of business, all felonies. According to investigators, she stole cash collected by school organizations over a 13-month period.
Kelley quit her bookkeeping job at the school in Walnut Hill before the first week of school following her arrest on unrelated credit card fraud and grand theft charges in which a relative was the alleged victim. That prompted Principal Tyvanna Boulanger to request that the Escambia County School District complete an internal audit of the school’s bookkeeping and financial records.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Kelly collected $52,278.98 in cash from various organizations that was stolen between July 1, 2023, and August 30, 2024:
- Change Fund-$300
- FFA-$4,047.50
- Honor Society – $310
- Shop- $650
- Volleyball/basketball – $4,001.65
- Cheer – $28,192.34
- SGA/track – $850
- Football – $200
- Band – $1,840
- Library/yearbook/drama – $4,670.49
- Culinary-$865
- 6th grade- $1,786
- 8th grade – $2,756
- 7th grade- $1,810
Related story: What Happens To Ernest Ward Groups Missing Thousands Of Dollars?
“It should be noted that this amount does not reflect any money stolen from Earnest Ward Middle School prior to July 1, 2023,” the arrest report states.
The report states that in the school year before Kelley was hired as a bookkeeper at EWMS, the school deposited $82,475.24 in cash for school organizations. The report notes after Kelly was hired as school finance specialist in August 2020, cash deposits were as follow:
- 2019-2020 – $46,736.28 cash deposited
- 2020-2021 – $23,270.08 cash deposited
- 2021-2022 – $29,782.46 cash deposited
- 2022-2023 – $18,733.64 cash deposited
- 2023-2024 -No Cash Deposited
The school district told investigators that Kelley was audited in the 2022-2023 school year and the audit noted Kelley had a “lack of organization led to several issues, the most severe of which was the inability to locate entire records for deposits and receipts.” Kelley has not been charged with any school related crime that occurred prior to July 1, 2023.
Kelley was interviewed by ECSO investigators on October 23, 2024.
“One at a time, we spoke with teachers/sponsors of the different school organizations who had given cash to Kelley during the previous school year for their organizations,” a investigator reported. “There was zero cash deposited to the school’s bank account during the 2023-2024 school year so all cash that was given to Kelley is now missing.”
“Immediately upon beginning the interview, Kelley stated that she took the money. Kelley didn’t know the amount of money that she had taken because she had taken it over time and didn’t keep track of it,” the ECSO report states. Deputies said the money was deposited in her credit union account or added to a GreenDot account.
“I advised Kelley of the amounts stolen from each team/organization and that the total amount stolen for the 2023-2024 school year adds up to $52,278.98,” the investigator wrote in his report. “While surprised, Kelley did not disagree with that amount and advised that if that was the amount that had been determined, then that was the amount that she had stolen. When asked about the balance statements for the teams/organizations, she admitted to editing them on an Adobe program so that they wouldn’t discover the low balances of the accounts. At the conclusion of the interview, Kelley advised that she was remorseful and would never do something like this again.”
In addition, school administration alleged that all documents such as purchase orders, money collected forms, along with receiving invoices and documents were missing.
The sheriff’s office investigation is continuing.
“At this time, it is unclear how much money was stolen during S/Kelley’s entire employment at Earnest Ward Middle School,” according to the arrest report.
What Happens To Ernest Ward Middle Groups That Are Missing Thousands Of Dollars?
November 7, 2024
From cheerleading and football to shop and the honor society, what happens to the clubs and organizations at Ernest Ward Middle School that lost all of the cash they raised over more than a year?
Escambia County Public Schools says $52,278.98 in cash from various organizations at Ernest Ward was stolen between July 1, 2023, and August 30, 2024. A former bookkeeper has been charged with the alleged theft.
Wednesday, the school district told NorthEscambia.com that they are working to cover the missing funds for the organizations.
“The school district will work to make these organizations whole,” spokesperson Cody Strother said. “It’s not the kids’ fault; you can’t punish the kids.”
While not speaking about the specific case, he said when funds are missing, it is the district’s policy to work with law enforcement and the courts to seek restitution.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, a former Ernest Ward bookkeeper collected $52,278.98 in cash from various organizations that was stolen between July 1, 2023, and August 30, 2024:
- Change Fund-$300
- FFA-$4,047.50
- Honor Society – $310
- Shop- $650
- Volleyball/basketball – $4,001.65
- Cheer – $28,192.34
- SGA/track – $850
- Football – $200
- Band – $1,840
- Library/yearbook/drama – $4,670.49
- Culinary-$865
- 6th grade- $1,786
- 8th grade – $2,756
- 7th grade- $1,810
Pictured: The Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders perform during the school’s homecoming game on October 15. Officials say the cheerleaders ares missing $28,192.34 that was allegedly stolen by the school’s former bookkeeper. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Inez Chancery of McDavid Celebrating 102nd Birthday
November 7, 2024
Inez Chancery of McDavid is celebrating her 102nd birthday this week.
She has five children, eight grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Friends and family celebrated with her over the weekend at Grace Baptist Church.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Elections Boss: Election Was Smooth, Turnout Exceeds 75%
November 7, 2024
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender says he’s pleased with voter turnout for the 2024 general election, and there were no major voting issues in the county.
Of the 214,651 eligible voters in Escambia County, there were 164,484 that voted for a turnout of 76.63%.
“Overall, it was a good day,” Bender said Wednesday. “It was a successful election.”
There were a few election day issues — problems with older equipment used to check in voters that was already near end of life and set for replacement, but nothing that directly impacted ballots.
The general election is not yet over for Bender who is looking at several tasks that must be completed.
“The work we do on the backend is just as important,” he said. There are reports, verifications, scanning write-in votes, checking provision ballots and other talks to complete before the vote is certified. It’s all due by the time the vote is certified as official on November 14, 10 days after election day.
SEC Soccer Tournament Draws Thousands To Escambia County, National TV Coverage
November 7, 2024
The SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament is already drawing thousands of attendees to Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park off 10 Mile Road, with nearly 2,300 fans attending just the first day of the weeklong tournament.
The tournament kicked off last Sunday, November 3 and continues through next Sunday, November 10, starting with 12 SEC soccer teams that will ultimately be narrowed down to the top two teams competing for the SEC Championship title Sunday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m.
Related: Photo gallery Nov 3. LSU vs. Auburn game.
On Thursday, No. 1 Mississippi State will fce No. 4 South Carolina at 3:30 p.m., and No. 2 Arkansas will take on No. 3 Texas as 6 p.m.
This marks the third consecutive year that Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park has served as the location for the tournament, drawing thousands of attendees and generating millions of dollars in local economic impact, according to local officials.
“We are incredibly proud to once again host the SEC tournament, and we hope the teams and fans enjoy their time in Escambia County,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “This is an exciting event not only for District 5 and Escambia County, but for all of Northwest Florida. I appreciate the continued partnership with Pensacola Sports and the SEC, along with the countless staff members and volunteers who work behind the scenes to make an event like this possible.”
Several local schools took field trips to Ashton Brosnaham to watch the SEC games on Tuesday,, with students from Beulah Middle School, Lipscomb Elementary School and McArthur Elementary School showing their support for the teams.
SEC Assistant Director of Competition Marcus Bishop said the tournament is off to a great start, highlighting the partnerships that make a tournament like this successful.
“We’ve had lots of help from Pensacola Sports and Escambia County Parks and Recreation – I know we wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” Bishop said. “The field is looking great this year. I think they have continued to up their game with the field over the last two years. The vibe from the community is great, too, just seeing signs all over the city and the beach area too. Our teams have really felt very welcome as they come into Pensacola, and I’m just hoping to continue to provide an event that the community enjoys and wants to be a part of from year to year.”
Escambia County Parks and Recreation has completed significant improvements to continue to make the Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park a first-rate sports complex, including a new multi-use facility that opened just in time for the 2023 SEC Tournament. The new facility serves as additional locker room space for the SEC Soccer Tournament, along with other sporting events including local youth, high school and college soccer. Parks and Recreation staff also repaved the parking lot and completed significant upgrades to the field turf at Ashton Brosnaham.
“It’s an honor to host the SEC for the third year in a row right here at Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park, and our team has been working hard to make this the best tournament yet,” Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said. “We hope all of the players, coaches, and fans have an incredible tournament experience, and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome them back to Escambia County in the future.”
The tournament is also providing national exposure for Escambia County with all games airing on the SEC Network.
Pensacola Sports President and CEO Ray Palmer echoed the importance of the strong partnership between Pensacola Sports, Escambia County Parks and Recreation, and the SEC, also highlighting the positive impact that a tournament like this creates for Escambia County and the greater Pensacola area.
“Every year, we get a little better at it,” Palmer said. “We just keep raising the bar, because we want to show the SEC that we want them here. And for these players, they’re going to be deciding where they live after they graduate, where they may start their families, where they’ll come and go to work or start their own businesses, or where they’ll vacation for years and years. It gives our community a chance to show up and show off. It’s just such a golden opportunity, and the economic impact just the week they’re here is significant.”
For ticket information, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Students Attend SEC Soccer Tournament
November 7, 2024
This week, several local schools took field trips to Ashton Brosnaham to watch the SEC Soccer Tournament games, with students from Beulah Middle School, Lipscomb Elementary School and McArthur Elementary School showing their support for the teams.
The tournament continues Thursday with the championship game on Sunday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Steven Barry Keeps Escambia County Commission District 5 Seat For Fourth Term
November 6, 2024
Steven Barry has won a fourth term as the Escambia County District 5 commissioner.
With complete but unofficial results reported Tuesday night, Republican Barry had 21,663 vote (61.78%) to No Party Affiliation (NPA) candidate Joshua Roberson’s 13.404 votes (38.22%).
“I’m truly humbled by the support of my constituents, and for them allowing me the opportunity to continue to serve District 5,” Barry said. “While I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished, I’m even more excited about all the great work we are going to do in the next four years.”
Barry, a certified financial planner, has operated his small business in District 5 for over 20 years. He was first elected to the BOCC in 2012.
Roberson, a retired Navy aircraft mechanic, ran on the theme “Anchored by the People”. The aircraft structural mechanic’s last duty station was NAS Pensacola, and he moved with his family to Barrineau Park/Molino area in 2020.
Pictured top: District 5 Escambia County Commission candidates Joshua Roberson (NPA, second from left) and incumbent Steven Barry (REP, standing on right) wave at voters outside the voting precinct at the Escambia County Extension Services Office. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Amendments: Marijuana and Abortion Rights Fail. Here’s What Passed
November 6, 2024
Here are statewide results for amendments on Tuesday’s general election:
Amendments require 60% to pass.
Amendment 1 – Partisan School Board Members – FAILED (not 60%)
Yes for Approval — 5,476,752 — 54.95%
No for Rejection — 4,490,187 — 45.05%
Amendment 2 – Right to Hunt and Fish – PASSED
Yes for Approval — 6,919,656 — 67.39%
No for Rejection — 3,348,342 — 32.61%
Amendment 3 – Recreational Marijuana – FAILED (not 60%)
Yes for Approval — 5,923,417 — 55.86%
No for Rejection — 4,679,793 — 44.14%
Amendment 4 – Abortion Access – FAILED (not 60%)
Yes for Approval — 6,041,683 — 57.11%
No for Rejection — 4,537,040 — 42.89%
Amendment 5 – Homestead Annual Inflation Adjustment – PASSED
Yes for Approval — 6,664,261 — 66.04%
No for Rejection — 3,426,958 — 33.96%
Amendment 6 – Public Campaign Financing – FAILED (not 60%)
Yes for Approval — 5,016,849 — 50.41%
No for Rejection — 4,934,410 — 49.59%
Voters Renew Half-cent Sales Tax For Escambia Schools
November 6, 2024
Voters in Escambia County approved the renewal of a half-cent sales tax for schools.
With 80 of 80 precincts reporting, 68.91% (105,969) votes were for the referendum, while 31.09% (48,251) voted against.
The current half-cent tax, which was passed a decade ago, expires on December 31, 2027. The 10-year referendum that passed Tuesday will go into effect on January 1, 2028. The sales tax, which amounts to 50 cents for every $100 spent, was first approved in 1997.
The half-cent sales tax funds can pay to construct new school, along with additions and renovations to existing schools. The funds can also acquire or improve land and add or upgrade equipment at schools.
“Over the years, this innovative funding source has become a cornerstone for the school district’s ambitious projects, providing crucial support for the construction of replacement schools such as AK Suter Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle, and Pleasant Grove Elementary, as well as new schools like Global Learning Academy, Kingsfield Elementary, and Beulah Middle,” Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard said recently. “These funds have also supported renovations and additions at existing facilities: West Florida High, OJ Semmes Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle, Pensacola High, and essential advancements in technology.”
Pictured: Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Complete Escambia County Election Results
November 6, 2024
Here are complete, but unofficial, election results from Escambia County.
Click image to enlarge, or zoom.
