MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Shelby County Schools have suspended the principal of Melrose High School amid a financial investigation.
Principal Leviticus Pointer was placed on leave Monday, according to The Commercial Appeal.
An audit found 11 cases of possible fraud or theft. The school district audit found evidence that former Melrose librarian Jonathan Phipps pocketed money for expenses he didn't incur and was paid to coach a non-existent wrestling team.
Phipps' attorney, Michael Floyd, said his client was transferred in late winter from Melrose to Geeter Middle School.
Pointer said the school tried to gin up interest in a wrestling team, but there was little found, so it was never started.
The audit results have been sent to the white collar crime unit at the state comptroller's office.
