Sutherland had no access to fair board funds
Putnam County 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Mark Evans says the fair board has no worries about the safety of its money.
Cause for concern comes from the arrest of a Cloverdale man who is a fair board member and technology director for South Putnam Community School Corporation.
Rick Sutherland, 45, was charged Monday with seven felony counts of theft from National Printing Converters, Brazil. While employed by National Printing, Sutherland allegedly made unauthorized transactions on a company credit card.
The charges totaled more than $110,000 during a four-year time frame beginning in 2004.
Evans told the Banner Graphic Sutherland didn't have contact with the fair board's money.
"He was not a treasurer or anything like that," Evans said. "He was always with someone when money was handled."
Evans said it was moot right now.
As far as his position with South Putnam schools, no action has been taken yet.
Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt said the school board has already had some discussion regarding Sutherland's employment.
"He is currently on a leave of absence," Bernhardt added.
Sutherland was transported to the Clay County Justice Center without incident Monday, where he is being held on $7,000 cash bond. He is awaiting further court proceedings.
If convicted, Sutherland is looking at six months to three years prison time and a maximum $10,000 fine for each Class D felony theft charge.