A man is arrested for theft, accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a program he helped run. The treasurer of the Licking Heights Music Boosters is behind bars and Pataskala parents are in shock.
Pataskala police arrested Thomas Mays Thursday following an indictment from the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Licking Heights High School marching band worked on their moves and their sound Thursday after school. For some of the students to be able to play, they need some help from the Licking Heights Music Boosters.
"We have parents who work really hard, we have kids who need instruments,” Boosters President Jamie Wilson said.
The boosters program raises money to buy band and choir uniforms, instruments, and trips. But over the last year or so, a lot of money went missing.
Licking Heights Superintendent Dr. Phillip Wagner says he was notified by booster members, that something wasn’t right.
"Some of the monies just didn't add up. There appeared to be some missing monies,” Dr. Wagner said.
Pataskala police arrested Thomas Mays Thursday following an indictment from the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities say a year-long investigation into Mays started after Licking Heights Band Boosters filed a complaint of missing funds while Mays served as treasurer.
Nearly $18,000 was discovered to have gone missing from the bank account, according to police.
"I don't think anyone ever expects that someone could be capable of stealing from children,” Wilson said.
Pataskala police say Mays won’t tell them what he spent the money on, but investigators believe it was for personal use.
10TV tried to reach Mays’ at his home, but no one answered the door.
"It's really sad because I see how hard parents volunteer their time for support organizations and I know the good work that's done,” Dr. Wagner said.
The Music Boosters program is now counting on the community more than ever to help them march on.
"Don't lose faith in our district. It's a very good district, we have a very good program and we're still working very hard,” Wilson said.
Police says Mays has been charged with felony theft.