Over $1 million in findings for recovery have been issued against Marcus May, former head of Cambridge Education Group, following an investigation into financial misappropriation at Ohio community schools. As per the Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit report, May is already serving a 20-year sentence for similar crimes involving school funds in Florida.
Investigators found that from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2018, May implemented self-dealing billing practices, funneling money from the schools to entities he was interested in. Despite his previous conviction, findings published on Thursday by the Ohio State Auditor's office indicate that May's deceptive practices extended far beyond his Florida operations, impacting the financial integrity of 20 schools in Ohio. Moreover, a Cambridge Education Group employee was identified for improper expense reimbursement.
The Special Investigations Unit began scrutinizing May’s activities after becoming aware of legal proceedings against him in Florida. Their examination revealed that May directed contracts to businesses he was associated instead of opting for more cost-effective solutions for the schools. According to the audit report, "…May was responsible for properly billing each of the schools in accordance with the schools’ management agreements, ensuring that goods and services were obtained at a reasonable price and safeguarding the schools from incurring unnecessary charges. However, Mr. May breached these duties when he directed several public contracts (toward) businesses where he had a direct or indirect relationship… rather than engaging in contracts entirely for the benefit of the schools, which caused the schools to incur detrimental financial consequences."
Alongside the recovery against May, the report also states a recovery of $23,531 from Cambridge Education Group itself and $147 from an employee for the inappropriate alcohol purchase. Since 2019, the SIU has helped secure 147 convictions, resulting in over $16 million in restitution, demonstrating the continual battle against misuse and misappropriation of school funds. Ohio residents can report suspected fraud through the SIU’s website and their fraud hotline.
