Thursday, November 18, 2010

Athletic Director Sentenced for Stealing Money from School

Adams/Broomfield District Attorney Don Quick announced today Steven Atwood (dob: 02/28/1969) was sentenced for embezzling money from a local school district.

In July 2009, the Internal Auditor for Adams County School District 12 met with Thornton Police regarding concern over discrepancies in money collected at school functions. Atwood, the athletics director for School District 12, was responsible for collecting and depositing money for school sporting events. Financial reports generated by Atwood showed larger amounts collected than deposited. Further investigation showed thousands of dollars had been taken from the school district.

On August 20, 2010 Atwood pled guilty to Embezzlement of Public Property (F5) stipulating to payment of a minimum of $20,000 in restitution.

Atwood was sentenced today by Adams County District Court Judge Chris Melonakis to seven years probation, including 90 days work release to be served at Adams County jail and payment of restitution as ordered by the court.

“This case is beyond mere embezzlement or theft. It is a violation of trust,” says DA Quick. “This man stole from students, tax payers and the school district. In addition,
given the current school budget situation, especially with teachers positions and salaries being cut, embezzling from a school is a particularly callous crime.”

A restitution hearing is scheduled in Adams County District Court on January 3, 2011 at 1:30 in Division E.

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