North Carolina School Employee Fired, Charged with Embezzling Nearly $200,000
A Lee County Schools employee in North Carolina has been terminated and is now facing serious criminal charges after allegedly embezzling nearly $200,000 from the school district. Jordan Allred, 36, was fired on March 14th after school administrators uncovered the alleged financial misconduct, which they believe had been ongoing since at least 2022. The school district released a statement this week outlining the details of the situation.
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, Allred is accused of diverting a total of $190,588.93 into her personal accounts. As a result, she has been formally charged with one count of embezzlement exceeding $100,000, according to a press release issued by the Sanford Police Department.
Allred surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and was subsequently released on a $250,000 unsecured bond. As of Thursday morning, a lawyer representing Allred had not yet responded to requests for comment from USA TODAY regarding the allegations.
At the time of the alleged crimes, Allred was employed by Lee County Schools, which is located approximately 36 miles southwest of Raleigh, North Carolina. Her role within the district involved overseeing payroll operations, giving her access to the financial systems and processes that were reportedly manipulated to carry out the embezzlement scheme.
The investigation into Allred’s activities began on March 13th when district officials identified a discrepancy within the payroll records. This discovery prompted an internal investigation, which quickly led to the suspicion of embezzlement. On the same day, Lee County Schools officials contacted the Sanford Police Department to report their findings and initiate a formal criminal investigation. The following day, March 14th, Allred was terminated from her position with the school district.
"Since that time, Mrs. Allred has not had access to any Lee County Schools software, systems, or facilities," the district emphasized in its news release, ensuring that the alleged scheme had been halted and preventative measures were in place.
The school district further stated that Allred allegedly engaged in “altering financial data and records” in an attempt to conceal her actions and make it more difficult for the district to detect the embezzlement. This sophisticated manipulation of financial records significantly complicated the investigation and prolonged the time it took for the discrepancy to be discovered.
In response to the alleged embezzlement, Lee County Schools is actively collaborating with the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive investigative audit of the district’s financial records and procedures. This audit aims to provide a thorough and objective assessment of the situation, identify any weaknesses in the district’s internal controls, and recommend improvements to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
State Auditor Dave Boliek released a statement regarding the investigation, stating, "I’ve talked to leadership of Lee County Schools, the District Attorney, and local law enforcement. With our investigation into Lee County Schools, the goal is to provide an objective account to assist in resolving what appears to be financial malfeasance." Boliek’s statement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of state authorities to ensuring accountability and transparency in the matter.
The school district also addressed its hiring practices in light of the allegations against Allred. Lee County Schools stated that all employees undergo a thorough screening process prior to being hired, which includes criminal background checks and reference checks. While these procedures are designed to identify potential risks and ensure the integrity of school employees, the district acknowledged that no system is foolproof.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on the school district’s reputation, Lee County Schools expressed confidence in its employees and their commitment to serving students. “The actions of one employee will not and should not overshadow the dedication and hard work of the many great people in our district who are committed to doing what is best for students every day,” the district said in its news release. This statement aims to reassure the community that the alleged actions of one individual do not reflect the values and dedication of the entire school district staff.
The case involving Jordan Allred is a stark reminder of the potential for financial misconduct in public institutions and the importance of robust internal controls and oversight mechanisms. The outcome of the criminal proceedings against Allred will undoubtedly have significant implications for her future and may also lead to changes in the financial management practices of Lee County Schools.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the legal system. The community awaits further information, hoping for a swift and just resolution that ensures accountability and restores confidence in the financial integrity of Lee County Schools. The incident serves as a crucial learning experience for the district and other public entities across the state, highlighting the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard public funds and maintain the public’s trust. The collaborative effort between Lee County Schools, the Sanford Police Department, the District Attorney’s office, and the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor reflects a unified commitment to uncovering the truth and addressing the alleged wrongdoing.
