LYNDHURST, Ohio — 40-year-old Stacie LaRiccia of Lyndhurst is facing charges amid allegations she stole money from a fundraiser that was organized in honor of Brush High School Principal Michael Fording as he battled cancer.
Lyndhurst Police Lieutenant Mike Scipione tells 3News that LaRiccia was arrested back on March 15 and charged with theft by deception and additional prohibited activities.
We’re told she was Fording’s administrative assistant who was also in charge of organizing a 5K event last October that raised nearly $40,000.
Fording passed away on Nov. 26, according to his obituary.
Police say an investigation was opened in late January after they were alerted to the situation when the Fording family told them the donation was not made to University Hospitals.
Lyndhurst police say they went through financial records, which allegedly showed the money was spent by LaRiccia with a majority going toward food and entertainment.
The event’s description said the 5K had the goal “to bring awareness to colon cancer and help one of our Brush family members.”
“The proceeds from our event will be donated to colon cancer research, as well as the family of Michael Fording, Principal of Charles F. Brush High School, who is currently battling colon cancer,” according to the event’s page.
Lyndhurst Minicipal Court records show LaRiccia posted a $25,000 bond earlier this week. Her next court appearance is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday, March 25.
3News received the following statement from South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools:
The South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools acknowledges and expresses sadness as we were informed of a criminal investigation involving a non-district sponsored event, ‘Fight for Fording 5K.’ At this point in time, there is no indication that district funds were involved in the ‘Fight for Fording 5K’ and encourage the public to allow the investigation to run its course. The district is cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation and no further comment will be made because of the pending criminal investigation.
The enduring legacy of Mike Fording’s kindness, professionalism, and love for the SEL Schools will ultimately prevail despite what has occurred here, and will allow those who truly loved him, to remain joined with his family, in the journey of remembrance and honoring this wonderful man.