Karg Pleads Guilty to Theft in Office

SHARE NOW

Monday morning, in a Logan County courtroom, former Bellefontaine High School Band Director Jeremy Karg pleaded guilty to one count of Theft in Office, a fourth-degree felony.

The plea comes after an investigation revealed Karg had taken funds from the school district over five years, specifically from band fees collected for the school’s music program.

Logan County Prosecutor Eric Stewart stated that the theft was made possible due to a lack of documentation and accountability from both the district and Karg.

Stewart explained that at the time, there were insufficient checks in place, allowing the funds to go undetected for years:

 

The situation came to light in August 2023 when Karg failed to turn in a deposit of the band funds.

This prompted a report to the Bellefontaine Police Department, leading to the investigation.

Stewart talks about the process and what took so long to prosecute Karg:

 

According to the prosecution, the total amount Karg is said to owe Bellefontaine City Schools is $35,000.

As part of the agreement, Karg has already paid $20,000 of the owed amount via check on December 3, 2024.

The remaining $15,000 will be deducted from Karg’s State Teachers Retirement Fund in monthly installments of $416.47.

He waived his right to an indictment, opting for a Bill of Information instead.

This legal route allows the case to proceed without a Grand Jury review.

Karg is scheduled for sentencing on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 9 AM in a Logan County courtroom, where Judge Kevin Braig will preside over the proceedings.