Michael David Barker, the former maintenance director for the Boone County Board of Education, has been charged in connection with a scheme to steal approximately $3.4 million from the school system. Barker, 47, appeared in federal court on Wednesday after being indicted on multiple counts, including conspiracy, mail fraud, money laundering, and theft.
Alleged Scheme to Steal School Funds
From 2015 to 2023, Barker was responsible for ordering custodial supplies for the Boone County Schools. According to the federal indictment, he falsified documents to create the illusion that the school system had received large shipments of products such as hand soap and trash can liners, when in reality, only small quantities were delivered.
The indictment claims Barker pocketed the difference, using some of the stolen funds to purchase personal items like a utility vehicle and to make down payments on equipment such as a track loader and excavator.
Co-Conspirator Named in Indictment
Barker allegedly worked with Jesse Marks, the operator of Rush Enterprises, a Kentucky-based company with an office in West Virginia. The indictment states that Barker directed the Boone County School Board to send payments to Rush Enterprises, where Marks deposited the checks and gave a portion of the proceeds to Barker. Marks has been named as an unindicted co-conspirator.
Consequences and Potential Prison Time
If convicted on all counts, including the numerous mail fraud charges, Barker could face up to 300 years in prison due to the consecutive sentencing associated with each charge. He was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond but declined to comment when leaving the federal courthouse in Charleston.
Statement From U.S. Attorney
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson commented on the case, emphasizing the impact of Barker’s actions on the local community. “At a time when Boone County Schools faced significant challenges, particularly while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Barker used his position of authority to enrich himself at the expense of the children of Boone County,” he said.
An email requesting comment from Rush Enterprises was sent on Wednesday, but no response has been received.
