St. Helens School District PR adviser resigns after discovery of embezzlement from nonprofit
PORTLAND, Ore. (Portland Tribune) -- In an effort to get a handle on messaging during the fallout of a sex abuse scandal at St. Helens High School, the school district chose to lean on a seasoned communications adviser once referred to as the “Godfather of School PR”.
But his time spent in the district was cut short when it was discovered that he had been arrested in February on suspicion of embezzling from an education nonprofit.
Thomas DeLapp was charged Feb. 23 with fraudulent intent to appropriate property valued at more than $950 — a felony charge — from the Rocklin Education Excellence Foundation in Placer County, California.
He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to two years of probation in lieu of a 270-day jail sentence in July. He was also ordered to pay $56,000 in victim restitution — amounting to the value of property stolen, according to court documents.
DeLapp was contracted by the Northwest Regional Education Service District, which offers support to school districts depending on their needs. As the St. Helens School District continues to navigate its ongoing sexual abuse investigation following the arrests of two teachers last month, the ESD has provided communications support to help the district handle an influx of inquiries and public records requests.
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