The probe into thefts from the Floyd County Board of Education has expanded, with investigators continuing to dig deep into financial records.

The investigation began in April of last year and centers on former maintenance director Derry Richardson, who is accused of using stolen funds from the school system to purchase residences, guns, vehicles and other items.

Investigators are going back 12 to 13 years, according to Major Jeff Jones with the Floyd County Police Department.

Richardson did not come to work for Floyd County Schools until 2005 but according to court documents, worked for Johnson Controls which did business with the school system.

The thefts exceed $3 million, according to court documents and several people, including contractors and Richardson’s family members have been named in the documents as allegedly participating in the RICO enterprise.

Floyd County investigators have been assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and two part-timers.

Jones emphasized they are working not only to make arrests but to return the stolen money to the taxpayers.

He said arrests are expected soon.

The FBI is also investigating, police said. 

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)