More than $11,000 will be coming back to Plymouth-Shiloh’s Big Red Music Boosters Association after their former president and treasurer was sentenced on June 18 for stealing from the boosters.
Jodi Kidd, 41, from Shelby pleaded guilty to one count of theft, a fourth-degree felony, and four counts of misuse of credit cards, all fifth-degree felonies. Assistant Prosecutor Bambi Couch-Page stated the thefts occurred between Sept. 4, 2012, and May 7, 2013.
The crime came to light thanks to the observations of another booster member, said Plymouth-Shiloh Superintendent Dr. James Metcalf.
“There was money being spent for items that were not booster related,” he said. “We immediately contacted the Plymouth Police Department and they jumped on it without delay.”
Couch-Page said Kidd is sentenced to five years of community control, three years of post-release control, and a suspended sentence for prison time of five and a half years. In addition, Kidd must repay 100 percent restitution back to the Big Red Music Boosters, a total of $11,773.31.
“That money goes to the band and the music department; it all goes to them and they use that to buy instruments, to help with uniforms, everything with the music program,” said Metcalf. “The kids raise that money in activities and working concession stands and other fundraising activities so they can then benefit from that money. That’s why it’s important we try to recoup that money because it is raised by the kids, for the kids.”
Moving forward, Metcalf said the district will attempt to monitor the boosters as best they can, though he noted the booster organization is completely separate from the school district.
“With all our booster organizations, they are their own entity,” he explained. “We ask for a yearly check of their books, and we’ve done this every year. We can’t really stop someone from doing something illegal; they’re not associated with the school.”
Couch-Page stated the one thing the Big Red Music Boosters did right was to require a co-signer on any checks used for the account. However, she explained their mistake came by allowing debit cards to be issued.
“It was through those debit cards that the money was accessed,” said Couch-Page. “In the situation where an organization is going to authorize credit or debit cards, they are placing themselves in somewhat of a perilous situation because it doesn’t take a second signature for their use.”
Metcalf stated the boosters are now looking for a replacement for their organization.
“I would hope someone in the community that has students involved in the music program were to jump in and help in the continuation of the program,” he said. “They’re working to help the kids of the school.”