Yauger now facing federal charges
PITTSBURGH — The former executive director of the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV now is facing federal charges in addition to state charges.
The U.S. Attorney in Pittsburgh, who declined to comment, on Monday filed a charge of one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, a felony, against Cecelia H. Yauger of Grove City. According to documents in federal court, the MIU IV received $10,000 in federal benefits during 2012. During that same time, the documents say Yauger stole property totaling at least $5,000.
In Mercer County court, Yauger, 56, is accused of charging $72,465 in personal items on a credit card meant only for work-related expenses between August 2007 and April 2013 while she was the agency’s executive director.
In April, Mercer County Judge Thomas Dobson delayed Yauger’s trial, which was to start in May, pending the outcome of the federal investigation to see if a federal agency will take over the prosecution.
Mercer County District Attorney Robert Kochems said Yauger’s trial is continued until Sept. 2. He said that was done so his office could see what happens with the federal investigation. He said state charges have not been dropped, but said that may change in the future.
Earlier this year, Wade Killmeyer, who replaced Yauger as executive director, said federal investigators spoke to staff members who worked at the same time Yauger did. He said MIU’s business office already reviewed the alleged misuse of funds and determined “no federal money was misappropriated by my predecessor.”
MIU IV, based in Grove City, is one of 29 regional education agencies under the state Department of Education that provides educational support services to school districts.
In Butler County, it serves the Butler, Karns City, Mars, Moniteau, Seneca Valley, Slippery Rock and South Butler school districts and the Butler Area Vocational-Technical School. It also serves 20 other districts in Mercer and Lawrence counties.
Yauger, who last year resigned her $124,840-a-year position after the allegations, is free on a $10,000 unsecured bond.
A waiver and plea hearing for Yauger is set for July 30 in Pittsburgh.
Eugene Tempesta, Yauger’s attorney, did not return a call for comment.
