Cedar Rapids school district employee suspected of embezzlement

A Cedar Rapids school employee faces charges she embezzled thousands of dollars from the district over the past two years.

Jamie May, 42, of 1920 Rockford Rd. SW #11, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree theft, police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said.

May is suspected of embezzling “as much as $250,000” from the district during 2008 and 2009, police said. She is listed in the school directory as a secretary in the district's accounting department.

District spokeswoman Marcia Hughes said school officials conducted an internal investigation after police contacted them Aug. 18.

The district also called in the state auditor's office to conduct an independent investigation. The auditor's report, which will include recommendations on improving fiscal controls, should take several months to complete, Hughes said.

The loss will be covered by insurance, the district said.

May was placed on administrative leave with pay, said Steve Graham, executive director of business services for the district. Her salary is $27,958, according to the district's salaries list.

“Fiscal integrity is a priority for the district,” Graham said in a news release.  “We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the State Auditor's Office on this case.”

May was released from the Linn County Jail after signing a promise to appear in court.