Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
E-mail 
E-mail 
E-mail Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2010 > August > 16 > Entry
Superintendent indicted on felony theft charges
WEST ALEXANDRIA — Twin Valley Community Local Schools Superintendent Mike Dixon was placed on paid administrative leave Monday, Aug. 16, after he was indicted on felony theft charges.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of six and a half years in prison, said Bambi Couch Page, chief criminal assistant for the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Licking County sheriff’s deputies, working with law enforcement authorities in Richland County, found one of three bicycles that had been reported missing from Mansfield Senior High School at Dixon’s Johnstown residence in Licking County on June 24.
Dixon left the principal position last year to become superintendent of Twin Valley. The bikes were to be used in a law enforcement class.
Dixon turned himself in to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 10, four days after a grand jury indicted him on two counts of theft in office, tampering with evidence and receiving stolen property. He appeared in court that same day. He was briefly held in the jail until posting a $10,000 cash bond.
Dixon, 51, superintendent since 2009, could not be reached for comment.
The Twin Valley Board of Education named Kevin Turner, superintendent of the Preble County Educational Service Center (ESC), interim superintendent.
The school board’s actions came as the Preble County school district prepares to welcome back staff Tuesday and students on Thursday.
Sheryl Byrd, president of the Twin Valley Association of Classroom Teachers, said she’s happy the board took action.
“It’s all unchartered water for all of us. We’ve never had an administrator indicted like this before,” she said.
The Preble County ESC assisted the Twin Valley school board in the search that led to Dixon’s hiring last summer.
“We did do background checks in addition to the (state) BCI and FBI check that is required for employment,” Turner said. “Those were all clean.”
In addition, they called references listed and vetted others not listed, he said.
“We didn’t hear anything that would cause me to go to the board and say, ‘I think you should stop considering this individual.”
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment |
Tweet
Comments
By uncomfortable question
August 16, 2010 9:30 PM | Link to this
“….said Bambi Couch Page, chief criminal assistant for the Richland County Prosecutor�s Office.” ————————-BAMBI COUCH PAGE? Come on, is that REALLY her name? Sounds more like a porn star.
By formerteach
August 16, 2010 8:45 PM | Link to this
In reply to Hal Roy: I totally agree!!! Superintendents, principals,school masters and deans ALL can fall into the thievery category! More research needs to be verified from ODE before these people can be in a school district.
By kevin
August 16, 2010 8:30 PM | Link to this
I have a triathlon bike worth $4000. I could understand if he stole 3 of those. But this idiot probably stole 3 used bikes that added up weren’t worth $200. Risk going to prison for that? Idiot! Why don’t thieves go for a Brinks truck or jewelry store or a new combine? If you’re risking prison, at least be smart enough to make it worth the risk.
By had enough
August 16, 2010 7:17 PM | Link to this
School districts all across Ohio write these ridiculous contracts where even the thief or pedophile gets full pay when suspended. Vote down all tax levies until the unions and their puppet school boards are thrown out.
By Huh?
August 16, 2010 6:37 PM | Link to this
I don’t quite understand this? Why would a school superintendent need to steal a bicycle?
By Independent
August 16, 2010 6:21 PM | Link to this
There were numerous red flags in Mike Dixon’s past. The board knew of this yet hired him anyway. There have been problems ever since.
By TVS grad
August 16, 2010 5:33 PM | Link to this
And all the harrassment charges he had against him from Mansfield School didn’t make anyone think it was a bad idea to hire this guy? Our school board needs to wake up!
By Hal Roy
August 16, 2010 5:00 PM | Link to this
Most school superintendents could fall into the thievery category. Stealing money and misrepresentation. I can think of at least 3 in Clark County.