A former employee of Lawton Public Schools is facing charges for allegedly embezzling district funds.

The Van Buren County Prosecutor’s office has authorized a charge of embezzlement over $50,000 but less than $100,000 against Andria Rice-Keister, a former bookkeeper for the district. She was arraigned last week.

Lawton Community Schools Superintendent Ben Bandfield addressed the community in a social media video Tuesday.

“ Recently, we found out that a longtime employee embezzled district funds, over $100 ,000 over a course of two years,” Badfield said. “ As a taxpayer, community member, and a father of three Lawton students, I know how hard people work for every dollar that supports our schools,

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