An investigation by the Indiana State Police Peru Detectives led to the arrest of a former Chief Financial Officer of Marion Community
Schools.
According to police, Scott Bumgardner, 50, of Wabash was arrested on numerous felony theft charges spanning through Grant and Huntington counties after an investigation that began in October 2023. Authorities stated that Marion Community Schools alleged significant misappropriation of funds by Bumgardner during his time as the corporation’s Chief Financial Officer, and investigations reportedly uncovered subsequent findings of alleged embezzlement totaling over $26,000 between August and October 2023.
The investigation led to detectives securing a Grant County arrest warrant for Bumgardner, which led to his remand to the Grant County Jail in December 2023.
A further investigation by authorities reportedly uncovered additional instances of theft at the Huntington County Community School Corporation, where Bumgardner previously served as a business manager, and $458,000 has allegedly been misappropriated between 2018 and 2022.
Detectives obtained a Huntington County arrest warrant for Bumgardner, and he was arrested and taken to the Wabash County Jail on Tuesday, March 19.
Bumgardner was charged with one count of level 5 felony corrupt business influence, one count of level 5 felony theft and 19 counts of level 6 felony theft.
Marion Community Schools Superintendent Keith Burke shared the corporations thoughts and additional information regarding the case. Burke stated that the corporation was grateful for the assistance of law enforcement and the Indiana State Board of Accounts regarding the suspicious financial transactions that were discovered by the corporation’s business office in fall 2023.
According to the corporation, Bumgardner served as the Chief Financial Officer for around three months before the investigation led to charges of felony theft in connection with the allegations that he made inappropriate charges to a corporate credit card, resulting in a misappropriation of around $26,000.
“We are grateful to our Business Office staff for their vigilance,” Burke said. “They correctly implemented the checks and balances we have in place.”
Burke continued his comment by noting that the school system carries the necessary insurance to address a situation regarding felony theft and loss for the corporation.
“Taxpayers can rest assured that we take our responsibility with their money very seriously,” Burke said.
Bumgardner’s employment with the corporation officially ended on Oct. 13, 2023, after he had been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.