3 family members charged with school theft
By The Associated Press
This article was published October 18, 2009 at 5:59 p.m.
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Three members of the same family, who have been honored for their decade of volunteer work for the Vilonia School District, have been arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from the athletic department.
Vilonia police say Ruth Huey, 71, Ricky Huey, 52, and Rebecca Huey, 50, were arrested Friday night for allegedly stealing money that was stolen from the ticket gate at Vilonia sporting events.
Police Chief Brad McNew says more than $3,500 was seized from the three following the football game Friday night. McNew said he has video tapes to back up the allegations.
“They were very organized, and they knew what they were doing,” McNew said. “They have been doing it a long time.”
Ricky Huey has been charged with 10 counts of felony theft with a $150,000 bond. Rebecca Huey has been charged with three counts of felony theft with a $45,000 bond. Ruth Huey has been charged with one count of felony theft with a $15,000 bond.
A person answering the phone at the Faulkner County Jail would not say whether the Hueys were still locked up Sunday. A voice mail left for sheriff’s spokesman Maj. Andy Shock was not returned.
McNew said the investigation had been active for several months.
Schools Superintendent Frank Mitchell said former athletic director Matt Sewell, who left for another job last summer, said Sewell told him he suspected someone was stealing money.
“He (Sewell) observed some things before he left and brought it to our attention. One being that we didn’t seem to be bringing in the revenue that it appeared we should be,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said he spoke with the police and the district cooperated in the investigation.
Officials would not detail how the money was stolen, though Mitchell said he thought there were safeguards to prevent such an occurrence. Mitchell the money was counted and matched to the number of tickets sold after each game.
The Huey family has volunteered for 10 years at the school, and Mitchell said they have received recognition for their service.
“It’s very disappointing,” he said.
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jgurley22 says... October 25, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
I have known this family for years. I cant believe they would do somthing like this. Its very sad!
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