Superintendent faces charges after using insurance to help a sick student

ELWOOD, Ind. (WISH) – A central school principal in Indiana faces numerous criminal charges after using her insurance. help a sick student get treatment.

Court documents show that Casey Smitherman, of Elwood Community Schools, has been charged with insurance fraud, deception of identity and malpractice. An arrest warrant has been issued against him, according to the archives. The Associated Press reported that she is free on bail.

Attorney Bryan Williams told the (Anderson) Herald Bulletin that, under an agreement with the Madison County Attorney's Office, Smitherman would be engaging in a diversion program . This will allow the charges to be dropped if there are no more arrests in the coming year, Williams said.

Court records show that Elwood police reportedly learned on January 16 that Smitherman had taken a 15-year-old boy to St. Vincent Immediate Care at 7408 State Road 28 in Elwood for treatment. but had placed it under the name of it. son.

Chief Jason Brizendine and Constable Ben Gosnell went to the home of the 15-year-old boy and his guardian. The boy told the police that he had not gone to school on January 9 because he was not feeling well and that he was having trouble with the throat. The boy's name has been expunged from the court documents.

According to court records, the boy reportedly stated that Smitherman had taken her thereafter and took her to the "medical checkup" for an evaluation. After that, they went to the CVS pharmacy in Elwood. Smitherman went inside and picked up a prescription for amoxicillin bearing "a different name" from his on the label.

On January 19, Smitherman, 48, went to the Elwood Police Station and told Chief Brizendine that she was worried about the boy. Smitherman said that she had already bought clothes for him and helped clean his house.

She also admitted to the police that she had taken the boy to the "medical examination" and obtained an order on behalf of his son.

The medical records obtained show that the boy was diagnosed with a sore throat and the claim for the medical visit was $ 233.

Police also contacted the Indiana Department of Child Services and indicated that the boy's guardian might need financial assistance, the court said. .

Smitherman issued this statement Wednesday afternoon:

"I was recently informed that one of our students was not in school. I went on see him home and he told me that he did not have it I felt good enough to go to school.After being assured that he had eaten well, I could say that he had some of the symptoms of strep throat.As a parent, I know how bad this disease can be if it is not treated, and I took him to an emergency.

"After a clinic refused to give the boy the necessary care, I took him to another clinic and told him he was my son. . I knew that he was not confident and I wanted to do everything in my power to help him heal. I know this action was wrong. For the moment, my only concern was the health of this child.

"I was charged with three crimes and one misdemeanor, and I cooperated with the authorities at every stage of the process." I went to the Elwood Police this afternoon, I understand that the prosecutor has accepted a diversion program that is expected to be finalized this afternoon.

"The Elwood community has been welcoming since I started this job and I you are very grateful. for your support. I am committed to this community and our students, and I regret that this action undermined your self-confidence. From the beginning, my ultimate goal was to create the best environment for Elwood student growth physically, mentally and academically, and I remain focused on that goal.

"School Board Chair Brent Kane has issued a statement of support below, I am grateful to him for continuing to work with the appropriate authorities and to be transparent about my work with the Elwood community

"Ms. Smitherman has worked tirelessly for the best interest of all Elwood Community Schools students since her hiring. She made an unfortunate mistake, but we understand that it was for the sake of the child's well-being. We know that she understands that what she did was wrong and she continues to receive all our support to continue in her position. We understand that she will be placed in a diversion program that will be finalized this afternoon. Elwood is about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis.