From WRGA Rome’s NewsTalk
Ten arrests were made Thursday in connection with the alleged theft of millions of dollars from the Floyd County School System.
The state began seizing property belonging to former Floyd County School System Maintenance Director Derry Richardson on April 14 of last year under Georgia’s RICO Statute.
The complaint alleges that Richardson and others engaged in and committed at least two or more acts of racketeering activity in violating state law relating to theft against the school system.
Those arrested Wednesday included Richardson, 41, and his wife Lisa Michelle Richardson, 45.
Also arrested:
- 58-year old Robert Mitchell Anderson
- 69-year old Harry Anthony Bailey
- 64-year old Samuel M. Tucker
- 56-year old William Greg McCary
- 59-year old Russell David Burkhalter
- 49-year Dwayne Lee Richardson
- 72-year old Jimmy Bagley Richardson
- 39-year old Robert Chad Watson
All are charged with felony theft by taking government property and violating Georgia’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Derry Richardson, Lisa Richardson, Dwayne Richardson, Jimmy Richardson, Tucker, McCary and Watson are also charged with records and reports of certain currency transactions.
We are awaiting a news release from police with more details.
You see videos from the arrest below:
https://www.facebook.com/wrgarome/videos/10154067095906210/
https://www.facebook.com/wrgarome/videos/10154067169611210/
https://www.facebook.com/wrgarome/videos/10154067126976210/
https://www.facebook.com/wrgarome/videos/10154067118136210/
Meanwhile, the Floyd County School System released the following statement from Superintendent Dr. John Jackson:
“Floyd County Schools appreciates our partnership with participating law enforcement agencies as we work to ensure the most effective use of all education resources for the children of our community. We have had open cooperation with the investigative agencies and we are thankful for their efforts.
The investigation by local law enforcement is open and ongoing and representatives from the Floyd County Police Department have the most up-to-date information related to the case. Any statements related to the case would need to come from a law enforcement agency.
For the school system, we are recovering from the trauma that has been inflicted on the system and the community through this ordeal. New procedures and processes are in place to improve protection of funds entrusted to educate children and those new procedures are working. However, we understand that it is vital that the system is vigilant in continuous reviews of purchasing procedures. Remaining ever watchful over education funding is the key to ensuring that maximum resources are available in the classroom for the benefit of our children.”