A former intervention specialist in Lawrence County, known for her work with the Educational Service Center Council of Governments, is now facing charges for crimes that betray a trust placed upon her. According to the Auditor of State Keith Faber's announcement, Megan Catalogna was indicted on theft in office and other serious charges after an investigation pointed to her being paid for work she did not perform.
The indictment, brought forward by the Lawrence County Grand Jury, includes one count of felony theft in office, one count of felony telecommunications fraud, and two counts of felony tampering with records. This development follows an investigation by the Auditor of State’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) prompted by a complaint about Catalogna. The Ohio Auditor of State's office reported that she allegedly submitted fraudulent timecards for janitorial work at Tri-State STEM+M High School in South Point. She was compensated roughly $15,990 for hours not worked.
The case against Catalogna, filed on Thursday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court, is now gearing up to be prosecuted by the SIU. This body usually investigates fraud in public agencies to cultivate transparency and integrity within Ohio's state and local governments.
The office of the Auditor of State, helmed by Auditor Keith Faber, not only assumes responsibility for auditing over 5,900 state and local government entities but also extends financial support to local governments alongside its oversight and investigative duties. The case against Catalogna delineates an ongoing commitment to safeguarding the public's coffers from individual malfeasance.
