Audit: $300K missing in fraud case

SANDUSKY COUNTY, Ohio - A special audit of the Clyde-Green Springs Exempted Village Local School District revealed nearly $300,000 is missing due to elaborate fraud schemes created by former Superintendent Todd Helms.

Auditor of State, Mary Taylor, initiated the the special audit on Aug. 5, 2008 after the review and evaluation of allegations against Helms.

The audit reveals Helms created fake invoices for non-existent companies, then submitted these bills to the school treasurer for payment. The district paid these invoices, totaling $110,031, and mailed payments to post office boxes owned by Helms. He then allegedly deposited the payments into his personal bank account.

Other improper charges by Helms include:

• $3,720 in personal travel and events that he did not actually attend
• $240 in gift certificates
• $6,123 in personal and alcohol charges on the district credit card
• $13,928 in travel disbursements for the Blackwell Hotel in Columbus

School booster clubs and other contributors were deceived to participate in a fictitious grant matching program by Helms. Six booster clubs and one contributor made donations totaling $161,725 which was deposited into Helms bank account for personal use.

In total, the audit shows $295,767 is missing from the district.

Taylor serves as the state's chief taxpayer watchdog. "Special audits are a major part of my commitment to protect taxpayer dollars from fraud and theft. I am pleased that the experienced professionals in my office identified and documented the exact amount of money stolen by Mr. Helms," said Taylor. "Our special prosecutor, who has been appointed to oversee this case, is working with our auditors and investigators to build a strong prosecution against Mr. Helms."