Former Wayne BOE Treasurer Pleads Guilty
Former Wayne BOE Treasurer Pleads Guilty Save Email Print
Posted: 1:58 PM Nov 19, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:22 PM Nov 19, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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WAYNE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The former treasurer for the Wayne County Board of Education has admitted to embezzling nearly $7,000 from the county.

John Thompson pleaded guilty to the crime last week in Wayne County Circuit Court.

According to court records, Thompson was sentenced to 5 years probation. He must also pay restitution and $100 in court costs.

A grand jury indicted Thompson in November 2007 on a charge of embezzlement and fraudulent use of credit cards.

At the time, police said that Thompson embezzled $9,000 and charged less than $1,000 on a county credit card.

Before the plea, Thompson was scheduled to go trial on the charge Wednesday.

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Posted by: DWH on Nov 25, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Let's just stop down talking someone on a public basis. This man will take his shirt off his back for you in the middle of winter. So he made a mistake, have you never? He made a mistake and admitted to it. And how dare you talk about his lack of support and love for the kids. This man is dedicated to the kids. It's just disgusting how small minded people are when posting comments on something. Look at yourselves and then talk about someone. John, keep your head up and remember to tell these people that even if they are hating on you, it just means that they are thinking about you! Daniel
Posted by: Bri on Nov 24, 2008 at 06:50 PM
I go to family court in Wayne County. I keep my son every weekend, all weekend long, and I pay a very hefty portion of my paycheck to my son's mother (who makes more $ than me) for child support. I was warned by the Judge in Wayne County that if I fell behind on my child support that he would send me to jail for a month. This guy STOLE $7,000. No jail time? $100 in court fees? Where do I sign up? I could use the extra money!
Posted by: jo on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:18 PM
It's obvious most of you DO NOT know John.He is/was not trash,an elected BOE employee,a Democrat,and does not play golf.He is a wonderful father and great person.There are other ways the BOE cheat your children.The higher tiered employees and one elected BOE member discriminate against your children in ways you could never imagine.Starting with the supt. and his assts.,remove them all and start with people who actually care about the students of Wayne Co.I have known John for ten years and feel sure there is more to the story.To the voting public,know WHO you're voting for before you cast your ballot next time.Just because they've served for years doesn't mean they're there for the right reason.They all have personal agendas.Parents,demand to know what really goes on in your schools.John made a mistake but is not a manipulator.To those concerned about the tax $,have you ever exceeded the speed limit?You've just cheated the state out of $!People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:56 AM
To me: You can check my closet and find a lot of skeletons, but you won't find the tax payers dollars stuffed away in there.
Posted by: work 4 my money on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:09 AM
he is a manipulator and a very good one. I am just glad that there will be more to come of this in the future and "ladies or a lady" will be finally nailed on this as they took this money from him that was not theirs
Posted by: me on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:09 PM
I think it is time for you people who are so quick to judge to get a life. I'm sure if we check your closet it would't be so clean. Wrong or right who are you to judge.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Well folks, it seem we actually do know what "was going on then". He was breaking the law, committing a crime, and taking money that was not his. I mean what do you think a white collar crime criminal looks like? Do they have horns coming out of their head with snarling teeth? NO! They look and act just like everyone else. They are very personable, nice and all around great people. It's part of the MO! Let's call a spade a spade here.
Posted by: Co-Worker on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:30 PM
You know I always jump to conclusions when I here these stories, just like several of the folks that have commented here today. I work with John Thompson and I know there has to be more to the story. He is a fine man and a hard worker. I would give him my personal checkbook and trust him completely to take care of my finances. Don't be so quick to judge, he definitely doesn't deserve the jail time some folks mentioned below.
Posted by: M on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Yeah, I also know and work with John now and will say he's a good guy, and never greedy. No one knows what was going on then, it was wrong, but I would be inclined to agree that it would have to be some pretty extreme circumstances to propel him to do anything like that.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:26 PM
I personally know John Thompson,he might have made a mistake,but I sure we all have at some time or other.As long as the Lord has forgiven him then he doesn't need to worry about what others think. His wife and children will do fine as long as they keep their trust in the Lord. I have heard that this isn't the first time money was taken from the BOE, but nothing was done,all people are doing is trying to make him out as the worst guy in Wayne County School System but I assure you that worst has happened. So John don't give up and keep your trust in the Lord and he will help you and your Family through this.
Posted by: Jason on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:40 AM
I know and work with John now and I am inclined to agree with Zach who posted on the 19th at 11:02pm. John is a good man. We don't know all the circumstances regarding this and I don't want to speculate. Everyone deserves a second chance. But it is suprising.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Makes me wonder where all the baseball and basketball league money went to.
Posted by: jeremy on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:54 AM
not all people in wayne are trash like this guy. he deserves to go to jail. way to go legal system, this just goes to prove how worthless the elected officials around here are.
Posted by: Zach on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:02 PM
I am a personal friend of John Thompson and he might have done wrong this time,but he is a good person overall and we are all titled to make mistakes.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:39 PM
i hav'nt had a new coat in over 15teen years no vacation's and i'm still alive you dont have to steal unless you are on drugs
Posted by: tony on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:28 PM
the brain trust in wayne county will probably give him another job in the school system
Posted by: Anon on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Don't expect to get any info from this guy.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:46 PM
This is just what they were able to prove. I think there was more to this story.
Posted by: Debra on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:19 PM
I feel bad for his wife and kids-actually hes a nice guy
Posted by: angela on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Court costs for a speeding ticket in Wayne County is more than $100.00
Posted by: HAPPY on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Just shows how crooked people in Wayne County really are.
Posted by: KD on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Good ole Wayne County we can always count on those democrats to elect another cheater to some kind of office. When are people going to wake up and smell the coffee.
Posted by: Robert on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:04 PM
This is probably just the "tip of the ice-burg". I'll bet Mr. Thompson gave some other "information" to authorities to get the $100.00 fine and 5 years probation.
Posted by: kim on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:30 PM
he should go to JAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: JAY on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:00 PM
THIS JUST A LITTLE MORE GOOD OLE BOY WAYNE CO POLITICS. I BET ANYTHING YOU WILL SEE THIS GUY ON THE GOLF COURSE WITH THE PEOPLE WHO SIT IN THESE OVERPAID JOBS IN THE COURTHOUSE. (THE ONES WHO IMPOSED THIS STIFF PENALTY). COME ON THIS GUY STOLE FROM OUR CHILDREN, PROBATION BULL.
Posted by: Taste Tester on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:12 PM
He should also pay interest on the money of 18% until it is paid back. Only a $100 court cost? Come on, may the guy pay more if he is guilty!
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