Friday, May 05, 2000Teacher denies theft
Fairfield District says funds missing
By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer Contributor
FAIRFIELD — A Fairfield West Elementary School teacher on Thursday entered a written plea of not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft in connection with missing money from the school's student activity account.
Heather Stickler was charged by Fairfield police on Thursday, entered the plea and was released on her own recognizance, said Lt. Ken Colburn. She will appear June 7 in Fairfield Municipal Court. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
“Fairfield accused Heather of stealing money that isn't even missing. They asked her to take a lie detector test which she passed,” said Cincinnati attorney John O'Shea, who is representing Ms. Stickler.
“Then when Heather fights (her) termination, she gets charged with stealing money. ... She is absolutely innocent.”
In an April 24 letter to Ms. Stickler, Fairfield Schools Treasurer Stephen L. Maag outlined four reasons — including at least $781.81 not accounted for — why the board of education had begun proceedings to fire her.
The district also accuses her of using excessive sick leave, not getting along with colleagues and not properly recording student grades.
School records dated March 14 and signed by Ms. Stickler the next day outline sales, deposits and missing money from three fund-raising activities sponsored this year by student council.
Big events could crowd city streets
What's happening this weekend
RADEL: Join party for city, landmark
Elephants' world opens wide
'Love bug' disrupts Tristate computers
A monument to steamboats
Doctor group cuts offices and jobs
'Son of Beast' likely to reopen Saturday
Stadium manager bidding approved
Clinton pushes school proposals
Flynts break ground on Mornoe store
Inquiry widening in Butler Co. probe
Luxury suites at unbuilt Reds park set sales record
Maifest plan aims to curb rowdy crowds
MRDD member could be ousted
Teachers fight back at layoffs
CSO gives Mahler radiant moments
GET TO IT
KIESEWETTER: Cable access salutes best work
Parents can make excellent neighbors
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Students 'Pigture Success'
Baseball 1860-style coming to Delhi Twp.
Dental board faces questions
Faith, football and family values
Four would-be mayors differ on city priorities
Kent State bell tolls
Kentucky, horses linked since Daniel Boone's day
Property sale allows ministry to start museum
Protest planned on anthrax vaccine
Public housing tenants agree to move
Report: Traffic stop was valid
Ross High plans to expand
Senior arrested in possible threat
Teacher denies theft
Three students in trouble for threats to schools
Underground limestone mine moving closer for Boone County
