Former maintenance director of a West Virginia county school system, Michael David Barker, has been charged with conspiracy, mail fraud, money laundering, and theft in a scheme to steal $3.4 million from the local board of education. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 300 years in prison. Barker allegedly falsified documents to show that the school system received supplies in bulk, but only delivered a small supply. He used some of the stolen money to purchase a utility vehicle and make down payments on other equipment. The payments were sent to Rush Enterprises, with operator Jesse Marks also implicated in the scheme as an unindicted co-conspirator. U.S. Attorney Will Thompson condemned Barker’s actions, stating that he enriched himself at the expense of the children of Boone County. Rush Enterprises has not commented on the indictment. Barker appeared in court and was released on a $10,000 bond. He declined to comment as he left the federal courthouse.
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