In The News 7 May 2026

Special audit details investigation into former Carrollton Exempted Village Schools treasurer

COLUMBUS – A finding for recovery of $42,529.11 was issued Thursday against the former treasurer for Carrollton Exempted Village Schools, who was convicted of stealing money from the district.

The total against Amy Spears included court-ordered restitution, plus other losses identified as part of an investigation by the Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The full special audit report with details of the case is available online at https://ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.

Spears began working at Carrollton Exempted Village Schools in 2000 and held various positions, including being named treasurer in January 2022. She took a leave of absence in April 2025 and resigned in September 2025.

SIU opened an investigation into Spears in January 2025 after receiving anonymous complaints that she had cashed a district check for $5,000 that she had made out to herself.

SIU ultimately determined Spears had received reimbursements from the district for college classes during times when she was not enrolled, based on fraudulent documents she created. SIU also identified additional improper reimbursements Spears received and cash advances she secured for personal use.

The total amount misappropriated was $42,529.11.

Spears was indicted in Carroll County Common Pleas Court in May 2025 and pleaded guilty to a single felony count of theft in office in September 2025. She was sentenced in October 2025 to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $22,620. She is also barred from serving in public office.

To date, Spears has repaid $31,820 of the funds she misappropriated, leaving a balance of $10,709.11 still due.

An SIU attorney was appointed by the Carroll County Prosecutor to serve as co-counsel for the case.

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