SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio (WOIO) - An employee with South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools pleaded guilty Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Thursday to stealing money from a fundraiser for a principal who was battling cancer.
Stacie LaRiccia, 40, pleaded guilty to grand theft and theft in office.
The fundraiser was for Mike Fording, who lost his battle with cancer in November 2023.
According to a police report, LaRiccia held the fundraiser on Oct. 21, 2023 at Charles F. Brush High School and raised $37,461 after fees.
Police said she issued one $30,000 check, but University Hospitals never received the remaining $7,461.
LaRiccia will be sentenced by Judge Andrew Santoli on Oct. 15.