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Ohio Woman Sentenced In Theft Of Charter School Funds

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DELAWARE, Ohio (AP) – A central Ohio woman who authorities say used money from a startup charter school to a $40,000 Mercedes-Benz among other things has been sentenced to three years in prison.

The Columbus Dispatch reports a judge in Delaware County sentenced 39-year-old Wendy Marshall on Monday. The Columbus woman pleaded guilty to taking money earmarked to open Directions Academy in Powell for her personal use. She was convicted of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, theft in office and securing writings by deception.

Marshall’s attorney, Dustin Blake, declined to comment on the case Monday.

Marshall must reimburse more than $93,000, including $5,000 to Delaware County.

A state auditor’s financial audit triggered the investigation. Authorities say Marshall also used some of the money for airline tickets, sports equipment and other items.