Photo: Madison County Sheriff’s Department
Casey Smitherman, the superintendent of Elwood Community Schools, turned herself in to police on Jan. 19 after she allegedly lied about the student’s identity to get him treatment and medicine,The Indy Starreported.
Because the boy was younger than 18 and Smitherman was not his guardian, the clinic would not see him,The Herald Bulletinreported.
She then allegedly took the student to St. Vincent Immediate Care, where she signed him in under her son’s name because she “knew he did not have insurance,” Smitherman explained in her statement.
The boy eventually began telling other students about the experience with Smitherman, which prompted her to go to the police on Jan. 17 and turn herself in,The Herald Bulletinreported.
“The child was very sick and she was just trying to get him medicine,” Williams toldThe Indy Star.“She knew it was probably a mistake. But at the same time she really didn’t know what else to do.”
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On Wednesday, she was charged with three felonies of insurance fraud, identity deception and official misconduct, as well as a misdemeanor for insurance fraud. She was booked and released that same day on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
In the written statement, Smitherman apologized, explaining that her concern for the boy’s health took precedence in the situation.
“I wanted to do all I could to help him get well,” she said. “I know this action was wrong. In the moment, my only concern was for this child’s health.”
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“I have cooperated with authorities every step of the way,” Smitherman added after being charged. “The Elwood community has been welcoming since I started this position, and I am so grateful for your support. I am committed to this community and our students, and I regret if this action has undermined your trust in me. From the beginning, my ultimate goal has been to provide the best environment for Elwood students’ growth physically, mentally and academically, and I remain focused on that purpose.”
Smitherman and Williams did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
In the wake of Smitherman’s charges, school board president Brent Kane also issued a statement and revealed that she would be placed in a diversion program.
“Dr. Smitherman has tirelessly worked for the best interests of all students in Elwood Community Schools since she was hired,” he wrote. “She made an unfortunate mistake, but we understand that it was out of concern for this child’s welfare.”
“We know she understands how what she did was wrong, and she continues to have our full support in continuing in her position,” he added.
Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings Cummings explained toThe Indy Starthat the agreement would allow Smitherman to admit to the crime and avoid a criminal conviction. As long as a judge agrees and Smitherman doesn’t get arrested again in a year, the charges will likely be dropped.
source: people.com
