July 27, 2020 –4:35 PM
Former Floyd County School System Maintenance Director Derry Richardson was sentenced to 20 years in prison and another20 years probation after pleading guilty to charges related to the theft of millions of dollars from the school system.
Richardson will also have to pay restitution as part of his sentence.
Richardson is accused of conspiring with other BOE employees and employees of maintenance and construction companies to inflate or falsify invoices, which resulted in the theft of more than $6.3 million dollars between 2007 and 2015.
According to Floyd County District Attorney Leigh Patterson, $6 million in stolen funds has been recovered.
Eight other defendants in the scheme entered negotiated pleas on Monday.
Harry Bailey was sentenced to seven years probation while Russell Burkhalter was sentenced to 20 years, three to serve in home confinement. Burkhalter will also have to pay restitution.
Rodney Holder received 10 years of probation and a fine.
Dewayne Richardson was sentenced to 10 years, two to serve in home confinement, and a fine.
Jimmy Richardson was also sentenced to 10 years, two in home confinement.
Lisa Richardson received 10 years of probation plus restitution.
Charles Sherman received a 10-year sentence with one year to serve in home confinement and restitution.
Samuel Tucker was sentenced to 20 years probation and must pay restitution.
The hearing for another defendant, Robert Watson, was delayed.
David Fielder, who had previously pleaded guilty, will serve 10 years on probation.
Charges against Sam Sprewell and David English were dropped.
Floyd County District Attorney Leigh Patterson issued a statement Monday afternoon, which you can read below.
