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Shreveport Community Shocked by Former Bookkeeper’s Arrest

Community concerned about theft at Evangel Christian Academy

News Summary

The arrest of Angela Nichole Stevens, a former bookkeeper at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, has shocked the community. Accused of embezzling over $85,000, her actions have sparked a broader investigation into financial integrity within local schools. This incident raises serious questions regarding the management of funds and the trust in educational institutions, leading to inquiries into other potential misappropriations in the area. As the investigation unfolds, community members are left grappling with the implications of this financial scandal.

Shreveport Shocked by Former Bookkeeper’s Arrest for Alleged Theft

In a surprising twist that has left the community buzzing, Shreveport’s Evangel Christian Academy has been rocked by an investigation that culminated in the arrest of a former bookkeeper. Angela Nichole Stevens is under scrutiny for allegedly pocketing more than $85,000 from the school’s finances, raising eyebrows and concerns about financial integrity in educational institutions.

The Countdown to Discovery

The investigation kicked off on February 14 when the school’s development director noticed some suspicious bookkeeping activity. It didn’t take long for the White Collar Crimes Unit to step in and launch a detailed inquiry into the matter. The suspected financial discrepancies reportedly occurred between April 2023 and June 2023 — just a few months that have now turned into a significant point of concern for the academy.

Stevens in the Hot Seat

During the time in question, Stevens held the spotlight as the sole individual responsible for managing and depositing cash payments collected from various departments within the school. As detectives delved deeper, they discovered alarming evidence indicating that large sums of cash meant for deposit were mysteriously missing. Shocking as it may sound, investigators traced the missing funds directly to Stevens’ personal bank account.

The Eye-Opening Total

The total amount believed to have been misappropriated from Evangel Christian Academy stands at a staggering $85,700.25. With Stevens now facing a charge of felony theft, the community is left grappling with the implications of such an incident. The Shreveport police investigation remains active, and they encourage anyone with further information to reach out. The lines are open at 318-673-7300 for the Shreveport Police Department and 318-673-7373 for Caddo Crime Stoppers.

A Widespread Problem?

As insiders dive into this financial mess, questions about the integrity of other local schools are surfacing. In a separate investigation, numerous schools in Caddo and Bossier Parishes are currently facing scrutiny for misappropriated funds involving former staff members. The ongoing investigations broaden the scope of concerns, indicating that this may not be an isolated incident.

At Queensboro Leadership Academy, details have emerged showing that a principal and a paraprofessional received payments for services they did not actually provide, amounting to more than $4,300. Meanwhile, the principal at Werner Park Elementary is under the microscope for unaccounted merchandise and gift card checks that total nearly $4,000.

More Investigations Unraveling

In yet another twist, North Highlands Elementary faced its own scandal, with reported misappropriated funds nearing $1,700. This amount was attributed to false time sheet claims made by a principal who has since resigned after reimbursing the funds. It begs the question: how often does this kind of manipulation occur behind the scenes?

Meanwhile, over in Bossier Parish, a bookkeeper at Plantation Park Elementary has met a similar fate, having been terminated and currently under investigation for mismanaging school deposits and credit cards that exceed $19,000. It appears this might be part of a larger puzzle of financial impropriety affecting our schools.

Taking Action

Caddo Parish School Superintendent T. Lamar Goree has confirmed that internal audits were key in uncovering these troubling findings. As the school system moves forward, it must grapple with the implications of these revelations and take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As Shreveport continues to come to terms with this shocking news, one thing is for certain: the integrity of our educational institutions must be safeguarded, and vigilance is paramount. The community is watching as investigations unfold, hoping for justice and a resolution that restores trust in the system.