South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools employee pleads not guilty to stealing money from a fundraiser

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SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio (WOIO) - An employee with South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools pleaded not guilty at her arraignment in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Thursday.

Stacie LaRiccia is accused of stealing money from a fundraiser for a principal who was battling cancer.

LaRiccia, 40, was indicted on the charges of theft in office, tampering with records, grand theft, and aggravated theft.

The judge set bond at $25,000.

The fundraiser was for Mike Fording, who lost his battle with cancer in November 2023.

According to a police report, LaRiccia held the fundraiser on Oct. 21, 2023 at Charles F. Brush High School and raised $37,461 after fees.

Police said she issued one $30,000 check, but University Hospitals never received the remaining $7,461.

LaRiccia is expected back in court on July 3.

South Euclid Lyndhurst School released the below statement in March:

“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.”
South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools