HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — A former teacher and cheerleading coach is accused of stealing money meant for the cheerleaders at a Henry County high school.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Nikia Moore, 38, on Monday, May 20. Investigators said she stole more than $15,000 from Dutchtown High School’s cheerleading squad.
Moore was a teacher and coach during the 2017-18 school year.
Investigators said after she left her position at the school, funds raised by parents -- which were supposed to be used to buy uniforms and supplies -- were unaccounted for from the competitive cheerleading account.
Bahan Rich, the special agent-in-charge of GBI’s metro Atlanta regional office, said Moore is accused of two felony counts of theft by taking and a felony count of influencing witnesses.
“We found out she was attempting to influence a key witness in the case. She had encouraged that witness to provide false information and during interviews with GBI agents,” Rich said.
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Rich said the Henry County Sheriff's Office requested the investigation.
An incident report indicates on May 1, 2018, a school resource officer at Dutchtown High was notified by a principal about concerns involving the competitive cheer account involving a former employee identified Moore.
Henry County Schools spokesman JD Hardin said Moore tendered her resignation to the school system on Feb. 28, 2018.
A Henry County Sheriff's Office document that appears to be either from this week, or updated this week, indicates Moore was later employed by the Fulton County Board of Education.
A Fulton County Schools spokesman said Moore resigned from Fulton County Schools this week.
Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne found a Dec. 7, 2018, voluntary petition for individuals filing for bankruptcy for Moore but also an April 22, 2019, order of dismissal.
Moore has denied wrongdoing in connection with the missing funds, saying the money is accounted for. She told Winne, “I’m innocent and God is good.”