Former Wagoner Teacher Pleads Guilty To Embezzling More Than $140,000

A former Wagoner High School teacher pleaded guilty to embezzlement on Wednesday and was given a 10-year deferred sentence and ordered to pay restitution.

Court documents say over four years, Susan Elizabeth Spaulding, 38, created fake invoices on her school computer for items she supposedly purchased with cash. Auditors found the teacher received $142,983.60 from the school, but the merchandise, which was for classroom use, could not be produced.

The school previously received a letter from Spaulding's attorney, offering to pay back the money she had taken, a September 2012 warrant request says. The school did not accept the offer, according to school officials, but opted to proceed through the legal system.

Spaulding's 10-year deferred sentence, in exchange for her plea, is dependent upon her repayment of the money, community service and participation in Gamblers Anonymous, court records show.

Her first payment of $25,983 has been received, and she will continue with 36 payments at $500 per month, 36 payments of $750 per month and 48 payments of $1,500 per month.

Wagoner Public Schools turned the investigation over to authorities in July 2012. Spaulding resigned her teaching position during the investigation.