Retired Bookkeeper Accused of Stealing 100K from School District
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: June 8, 2012
ROANOKE--People say word travels fast in their small village...and downtown is buzzing as they're learning a former district employee isn't who they thought she was.
Authorities arrested 73 year old Katherine Capponi Thursday night.
She's charged with taking more than $100,000 dollars from the district over the course of 10 years.
"I'm shocked, I'm surprised," said resident Raylene Getz. "Everyone seemed to like Katie."
In a village where everyone knows everyone, people say they never suspected Capponi could have a dark side.
"She was just real bubbly, and happy...a great personality," added Getz.
Capponi worked at the Roanoke-Benson School District for 40 years.
She retired as a bookkeeper.
"Very gracious and friendly in the halls... a sweet lady," said former student Megan Schwind.
Capponi left District #60 in January.
The Woodford County State's Attorney launched an investigation shortly after, when Capponi's replacement noticed funding shortfalls.
"I just never thought that she would be one that would take that money from the district," said Schwind. " I just didn't see that coming at all."
District Superintendent Rohn Peterson says in a statement:
..."We are disappointed by the alleged events. We hope these matters will be resolved in a just and equitable fashion. If the former employee is eventually convicted, the district hopes to receive as must restitution as possible."
Other community members agree.
They say the school is in need of improvements and can't afford to lose any funding.
"Just having six figures gone is hard to see...we could have used that money in a positive way," said Schwind.
Capponi is currently out of jail on bond.
Her next court date is set for July 11th.
If convicted Capponi faces up to 30 years in prison.
Authorities arrested 73 year old Katherine Capponi Thursday night.
She's charged with taking more than $100,000 dollars from the district over the course of 10 years.
"I'm shocked, I'm surprised," said resident Raylene Getz. "Everyone seemed to like Katie."
In a village where everyone knows everyone, people say they never suspected Capponi could have a dark side.
"She was just real bubbly, and happy...a great personality," added Getz.
Capponi worked at the Roanoke-Benson School District for 40 years.
She retired as a bookkeeper.
"Very gracious and friendly in the halls... a sweet lady," said former student Megan Schwind.
Capponi left District #60 in January.
The Woodford County State's Attorney launched an investigation shortly after, when Capponi's replacement noticed funding shortfalls.
"I just never thought that she would be one that would take that money from the district," said Schwind. " I just didn't see that coming at all."
District Superintendent Rohn Peterson says in a statement:
..."We are disappointed by the alleged events. We hope these matters will be resolved in a just and equitable fashion. If the former employee is eventually convicted, the district hopes to receive as must restitution as possible."
Other community members agree.
They say the school is in need of improvements and can't afford to lose any funding.
"Just having six figures gone is hard to see...we could have used that money in a positive way," said Schwind.
Capponi is currently out of jail on bond.
Her next court date is set for July 11th.
If convicted Capponi faces up to 30 years in prison.
