Federal Grand Jury Indicts 2 Former Vigo School Officials

Associated Press

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted two former western Indiana school officials on wire fraud and other charges for allegedly embezzling more than $80,000.

The indictment returned Wednesday names former Vigo County School Corp. facilities director Frank Fennell and Frank Shahadey, a former Vigo County deputy sheriff who was assigned to the school district. Both are charged with nine counts of wire fraud and one count of theft, and Fennell also faces two counts of making false statements.

The two men were charged last month with theft or bribery of programs receiving federal funds for allegedly taking kickbacks from a contractor. Both men had denied the allegations to federal agents following a June 8 FBI raid of district offices.

Messages seeking comment were left for attorneys for the two men.

Tags:Vigo County School Corporation Vigo County

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Q&A: Democrat Jennifer McCormick would ‘prioritize kids’ in education if she becomes Indiana governor

Former state superintendent Jennifer McCormick, who was endorsed by the political action committee of the state’s largest teachers union last month, switched from the Republican party to the Democratic party following her term in 2021.

Public Affairs / May 2, 2024

Here’s how Indiana’s GOP candidates for governor say they would change education

The next Indiana governor will appoint a secretary of education who operates the Department of Education and sits on the policy-making State Board of Education.

Public Affairs / May 1, 2024

Charter schools could get property tax money if Pike Township referendum passes

Fifteen charter schools could share in Pike Township Schools' $14.5 million property-tax referendum if voters approve it in the May 7 primary election.