HAMILTON — A former Lakota Local Schools teacher has been charged with misdemeanor theft after she was accused of taking prom money from students.

Heather Schoell-Schroeder, 45, of Liberty Twp., and her attorney met with Butler County sheriff's detectives and was served with a summons for theft of cash under $1,000, the sheriff's office said Monday. She is scheduled to appear in Butler County Area II Court in June.

Schoell-Schroeder, formerly a teacher at Lakota East High School, quit her job last week amid the criminal investigation.

A relative paid the district $160 of the $800 missing from the sale of 20 prom tickets, according to the school district.

"We acted with urgency to handle this situation appropriately. We are cooperating fully with the sheriff's office," Superintendent Karen Mantia said.

Sheriff's Sgt. Monte Mayer said the sheriff's office began its investigation May 9.

Lakota East's prom was April 28 at the Savannah Center in West Chester Twp. An internal investigation began after some students complained on prom night about having trouble gaining admission.

According to the district, a teacher on the prom committee apparently circumvented the ticket sale process by encouraging students to pay the teacher directly. Also, students said when confronted, the teacher asked two students not to report it, according to the district.

Schoell-Schroeder had not reported to school since the prom. A long-term substitute has taken over her duties for the rest of the school year, according to the district.

Lakota said it is reviewing its prom ticket sales procedure.