Sentence Handed Down For Vigo County Schools Fraud
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA former facilities director for the Vigo County School Corp. has received a 24 month prison sentence for his role in a scheme that involved stealing more than $110,000 from the district. The fraud, bribery and false statement convictions against Franklin Fennell stem from what United States Attorney Josh Minkler’s office says was two-and-a-half years of creating fraudulent invoices for a contractor that either overcharged or didn’t complete the work.
The crimes that were committed by Fennell, co-defendent Frank Shahadey and a Wabash Valley businessman took place between mid-2014 and the end of 2016. Last year, Shahadey was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison.
Minkler says "the citizens of Vigo County deserve better from their public officials. Public service does not mean helping yourself to public funds. When greed becomes more important than serving the public, there are consequences and my office will hold offenders accountable."
Fennell is also on the hook for $119,600 in restitution.