Lafayette, LA – A Patterson woman has been arrested in connection with an alleged theft involving the St. Mary Parish School Board, authorities reported Friday.
Dinah Dru Richard, 31, was taken into custody on charges of forgery, theft over $5,000, and malfeasance in office. The arrest followed an investigation into the misuse of a school board credit card for personal expenses, an incident that came to light after a complaint was filed with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office on December 11.
Detectives said they were dispatched to the St. Mary Parish School Board Office in Centerville after the theft was reported. Upon reviewing the evidence, investigators determined that the school board’s credit card had been used for unauthorized personal purchases. Further scrutiny revealed signs of forgery, with evidence suggesting that someone had signed off on the purchases using falsified authorization.
Richard, a school board employee, was questioned by detectives and subsequently arrested. She was booked into the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. The details of her bond have not been made public, and authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing.
The arrest has raised concerns about financial misconduct within the school system and is expected to prompt further scrutiny of financial oversight at public institutions. Richard’s case is part of a broader effort to hold public employees accountable for any misuse of taxpayer funds.
As the investigation continues, officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring of public resources and underscores the potential consequences for those who breach the public trust.