In a court proceeding that has caught the attention of the Carrollton community, Amy Spears, the former treasurer for Carrollton Exempted Village Schools, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of theft in office. According to an article from the Ohio Auditor's Office, Spears entered her plea in the Carroll County Common Pleas Court last Thursday following an investigation by the State’s Special Investigations Unit.
Spears' admission came after anonymous tips led to the discovery of her having cashed a $5,000 check meant for the district, which she later redeposited, presumably after realizing the scrutiny it could attract. In a statement obtained by the Ohio Auditor's Office, further examination by the SIU pointed to Spears receiving about $22,000 in reimbursements for college classes, a time during which she was not enrolled, all based on fraudulent documents she crafted.
Her indictment in May 2025 has led to this latest development, where Spears now faces sentencing on Oct. 7. Following her guilty plea, she has been immediately prohibited from holding any public sector position, effectively ending her career in public service.
The collaboration between the SIU and Carroll County Prosecutor's Office underscores the importance of oversight in public funds management. An SIU attorney was brought on board as co-counsel for the case, highlighting the significance of the charges brought against Spears. Since 2019, the vigilance of the SIU has seen 144 convictions leading to restitution totaling over $13 million. These initiatives signify the relentless pursuit to safeguard public coffers from misappropriation and deceit.
Instances of fraudulent activity in the management of educational funds erode the trust of the community and hinder the progress of our schools. The SIU continues to encourage the public to report any suspicions of fraud through their online portal or fraud hotline, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability in the public sector. The information about how to report suspected fraud can be found on the Ohio Auditor's Office website.
