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Investigators: Orange Co. school bookkeeper stole $20K

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A year-long investigation has ended with a former middle school bookkeeper in jail.

Deputies said Kira Winn stole more than $20,000 from Gotha Middle School during her two years as bookkeeper.

Arrest papers said she was entrusted to keep an eye on school funds, but took a staggering amount of money earned by the work of the students around her.

“She should be ashamed of herself. That’s ridiculous. There are children,” said parent Kellie Smith.

A school district spokesperson said Winn resigned from the school last year after administrators realized she was stashing large amounts of money in her office, which is against policy.

Officials said when they opened her desk drawer they found checks and bucket that contained a lot of money.

The administrators collected the money and notified district leaders.

An audit uncovered the middle school couldn’t account for more than $20,000 between July 2012 and July 2013.

Arrest papers said Winn made several cash deposits into her personal bank account.

The money was from students and was intended for groups like the chorus, history, and pride clubs, as well as sports teams and class trips.

Parents were glad to hear the former bookkeeper was arrested.

“It’s uncalled for and she should be prosecuted. End of story,” Smith said.

When Channel 9’s Ryan Hughes called Winn to comment on the story she said she knew nothing of the allegations.