Former Laquey School District Bookkeeper Placed On Probation After Pleading Guilty to Stealing

Kevin Hillman, Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney, announces that in Circuit Court action earlier this month, former Laquey School District Bookkeeper Terri Skidmore, pleaded guilty to Stealing, a Class D felony. The case originated in May 2022 when district officials noticed discrepancies with receipts. The defendant admitted to school officials that she had committed wrongdoing and was immediately placed on administrative leave and district officials contacted law enforcement. The District conducted a forensic audit which concluded the defendant misappropriated and stole approximately $34,000 in district funds. She was charged with Stealing by Grand Jury indictment in April 2023.

The defendant pleaded guilty on October 18th before Judge John Beger. She faced a sentencing hearing on January 8th. Prior to the sentencing hearing, the defendant paid restitution in the amount of $34,000. At the sentencing, Judge Beger sentenced her to seven years in the Department of Corrections but ordered the sentence to be suspended and placed her on five years of probation. The Court noted that the defendant had admitted to her wrongdoing and made a full restitution payment prior to sentencing.

The Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank the Staff and Board of Education of the Laquey School District for their full cooperation and assistance throughout this case. This case was investigated by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hillman.