The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) announced the arrest of two women accused of embezzling funds from the Live Oak Junior High cheerleading program.
Sheriff Jason Ard provided a detailed account of the investigation: “Complaints were reported in 2023 and communicated to the Livingston Parish School System. These complaints focused on the collection of funds from parents and the misuse of those funds. A Legislative Auditor was called in, and the report, released in 2024, revealed the misappropriation of funds through the cheer program. Our Financial Crimes Division discovered that two individuals conspired to sell t-shirts purchased with school funds. The profit from these sales, totaling over $3,000, was not returned to the school cheer program. Additionally, a fraudulent reimbursement invoice was identified, resulting in further theft from the Live Oak Junior High Cheer Fund.”
In response, the Livingston Parish School System released a statement indicating that Kristen Goodwin has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. Goodwin, who has worked for Live Oak Junior High since 2019, will be subject to all applicable district policies and procedures. Jessica Angelo is not employed by Livingston Parish Public Schools.
The individuals processed into the Livingston Parish Detention Center are:
- Kristen Goodwin, former Cheer Team Sponsor, charged with Felony Theft and Criminal Conspiracy
- Jessica Angelo, former Cheer Coach, charged with Felony Theft and Criminal Conspiracy
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office will oversee the ongoing investigation, and all inquiries should be directed to them.
In light of these events, the newly appointed LPPS superintendent is collaborating with the district’s business department to review and enhance financial procedures across all programs, aiming to improve safeguards for employees managing public funds.
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