LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio – A former intervention specialist with the Educational Service Center (ESC) Council of Governments has pleaded guilty to felony theft in office after investigators uncovered she was paid for janitorial work she never performed.
Megan Catalogna admitted to the charge in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, acknowledging she had falsified timesheets and received unearned wages through her position at Tri-State STEM+M High School in South Point.
As part of a plea agreement, Catalogna has agreed to:
- Repay $16,707.50 in restitution and audit costs
- Serve four years of community control supervision
- Complete 400 hours of community service
An 18-month prison sentence was deferred but could be enforced if she violates her community control terms. Additionally, she is permanently banned from holding any public employment or position of trust.
The Ohio Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) launched the inquiry after receiving a complaint about Catalogna’s fraudulent timesheets. The Lawrence County Grand Jury indicted her in November, and SIU later served as the special prosecutor in the case.