Former School Official Pleads Guilty to Theft

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Feb 8, 2012 at 12:43 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 8, 2012 at 1:07 PM CDT

FOREST CITY, Iowa (AP) — A former business manager accused of stealing more than $260,000 from the Lake Mills Community Schools has pleaded guilty.

Christine Mathahs, 45, of Lake Mills, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to felony theft and felonious misconduct.

Mathahs resigned after the district questioned her travel and spending and asked the state auditor's office to investigate.

The audit cited inappropriate spending totaling $262,000. The report said the misspending included checks Mathahs issued between 2005 and 2010 from the district's account to pay off at least 12 credit cards.

Under a plea agreement between Mathahs and prosecutors, she will pay more than $37,000 in restitution.

The school district's insurance has covered about $200,000 of the loss.

Her sentencing is set for March 20.

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