According to reports, investigators with the Floyd County Police have discovered that possible thefts inside the Floyd County Board of Education goes back further than originally thought.  After the investigation was launched last spring, police focused on the past five years and on former maintenance director Derry Richardson.  Now, investigators are saying that the possible thefts date back as far as 12 to 13 years.

Investigators said that the continual finding of evidence has pushed arrest back, but they should be coming soon.

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Floyd County Police Chief Bill Shiflett said on Thursday that over $3,000,000 was stolen from the Floyd County School system. Last April, Derry Richardson, then the school’s maintenance director, was accused of taking over $600,000 by using fraudulent purchase orders.

A RICO filing named Richardson and 17 others, including several of his family members, in the case.

Shiflett said that police have worked over 6,000 hours in the investigation, but no criminal charges have yet to be filed. He said that he expects to see ‘numerous arrests soon’.

He added that between 12 and 14 arrests could be made in the case.

A civil case stated that Richardson and others inflated invoices since 2007 and Richardson would receive cash and items as a result. Filings added that Richardson received items such as Viking kitchen appliances and chandeliers.

The GBI was called in to audit all bids submitted by the school system for the past five years, said Floyd County Police Chief Bill Shiflett.

A court appointed receiver took over Richardson’s property and assets last year.

In a November hearing, Richardson agreed to forfeit his Summerville home, which the family was still living in at that time. The proceeds from the sale of the property and other items will then be disbursed by the court appointed receivers.