by: Rachel Dissell
Richmond Heights Superintendent Robert Moore II and another high-ranking district official were arrested Friday after prosecutors say taped evidence revealed the two were shaking down a business that contracted with the schools.
Moore, 52, of Mentor, and Building and Grounds Director Robert Muse, 43, of Cleveland Heights are charged with theft in office, according to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty’s spokesman Joe Frolik.
The shakedown involved $3,700 in cash over the past month, prosecutors said, and search warrants are being executed this evening at the small suburban district’s school board offices and at Moore’s home.
McGinty’s office said the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department made the arrests and that indictments would be sought against the pair as early as next week.
Voters narrowly passed a levy in 2012 to raise operating revenue for the district and prevent a budget shortfall.
In October, district officials relieved Treasurer Brenda Brcak of her duties, with pay, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations that she spent money contrary to board authorization.
At the time Board President Bobby Jordan Sr. told a reporter from the Northeast Ohio Media Group that the spending concerns insurance policies pertaining to district employees.
A Cleveland law firm was hired to conduct an investigation.
Source: cleveland
