Castle High Treasurer Pilfers $134K: McKee Indicted

EVANSVILLE, IN – A former Castle High School employee is facing the music after a federal indictment revealed allegations of a brazen theft of over $134,000 in school funds. Rebecca A. McKee, 60, of Newburgh, Indiana, was indicted this week on three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, according to United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler.

Minkler didn’t mince words, stating, “The public deserves better from officials in positions of trust. Those who choose to steal from our public institutions will be held strictly accountable.” McKee served as the extra-curricular treasurer at Castle High School, a position that put her directly in control of significant cash flow related to school activities. She was the primary custodian of the Newburgh National Bank School Extra-Curricular Account for Castle High School, effectively holding the purse strings for student organizations.

Federal investigators allege McKee’s sticky fingers were at work between July 2010 and August 2012, systematically siphoning money from the Warrick County School Corporation. The breakdown of the alleged embezzlement is as follows: $19,863.49 during the 2010-2011 fiscal year, a whopping $89,819.06 in 2011-2012, and another $24,325.40 during the 2012-2013 fiscal year – bringing the total to $134,008.95. That’s a lot of missing money that could have benefitted students.

The investigation wasn’t a solo act. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police, and the Indiana State Board of Accounts all contributed to building the case against McKee. State Examiner Paul Joyce emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation, stating, “The Board of Accounts will continue to work in cooperation with its federal, state, and local partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who would violate the public’s trust.” He added, “We all have the right to expect honest representation from our elected and/or appointed officials.”

McKee made her initial appearance in federal court on Thursday and was released. A trial date is currently set for April 27, 2015. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa is prosecuting the case. If convicted on all three counts, McKee faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison per count. The feds are clearly aiming for a significant penalty.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is simply an accusation. McKee is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The government bears the burden of proof, and she is entitled to a fair trial to defend herself against these serious charges. But the allegations paint a grim picture of a breach of trust and a theft from the very students she was supposed to serve.