Former Lynn Camp High School bookkeeper accused of theft

A Knox County woman faces more than unemployment after authorities have charged her with theft.

Pamela Bargo, 44 of Barbourville, was served an arrest warrant by Kentucky State Police Det. Jake Wilson on November 18 for allegedly stealing $11,786.85 while employed by Knox County Public Schools. Bargo was a bookkeeper for Lynn Camp High School. Det. Wilson charged Bargo with theft by unlawful taking over $10,000.

The alleged theft took place from April 3, 2016 until February 4, 2016. After an external audit revealed problems, Bargo was terminated from her position in March 2016.

In a statement released Tuesday by Knox County Public Schools, board officials said “The school district contracted with RJ Flannery LLC to perform a school activity fund audit at Lynn Camp Schools following concerns of club and organization accounts. Upon receiving the findings of the audit, the district terminated the contract of the employee and notified appropriate legal agencies of the situation.  The school district is cooperating with the Kentucky State Police as they conduct their own investigation.”

Procedures are in place for how money is received and disbursed, according to the statement. “School activity accounts in Kentucky are governed by what is referred to as the ‘Redbook’, which is the ‘Accounting Procedures for School Activity Funds’ handbook.  It outlines a method of uniform accounting for school activity funds. Each school bookkeeper is trained in the proper handling of funds – from receipting the money and taking it to the bank to the methods of disbursing funds.”

As of press time Tuesday, there was no new information released by Kentucky State Police.  The investigation is still ongoing by Det. Wilson.