February 27, 2015

Former Castle High School Employee Indicted on Theft Charges

EVANSVILLE—United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler, announced today federal charges against the former extra-curricular treasurer of Castle High School. Rebecca A. McKee, 60, Newburgh, Indiana, was indicted this week on three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.

“The public deserves better from officials in positions of trust,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to steal from our public institutions will be held strictly accountable”

Rebecca McKee served as the extra-curricular treasurer at Castle High School in Newburgh, where she handled large amounts of cash for school activities. She disbursed funds related to extra-curricular organizations operating within Castle High School and was the primary person controlling the Newburgh National Bank School Extra-Curricular Account for Castle High School.

From July 2010 until August 2012, it is alleged she embezzled over $134,000 during the following fiscal years from the Warrick County School Corporation:

  • 2010-2011—$19,863.49
  • 2011-2012—$89,819.06
  • 2012-2013—$24,325.40

This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police, and the Indiana State Board of Accounts.

“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,” said Paul Joyce State Examiner. “We all have the right to expect honest representation from our elected and/or appointed officials at all levels of government. I hope that those few public servants that decide to violate this trust will see that we are prosecuting these officials and realize that this is not acceptable and we will hold them accountable.”

McKee had her initial appearance in federal court on Thursday and was released. Her trial date is set for April 27, 2015.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa, who is prosecuting this case for the government, McKee faces up to 10 years for each count if convicted.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.