cleveland.com | Cory Shaffer
A former maintenance foreman at Strongsville City Schools faces felony charges Tuesday after officials said he used district money to buy equipment — including a $20,000 custom-built John Deere tractor and a tool shed — for himself over five years.
Robert Schwerman used the school’s maintenance account to outfit his Lorain home with air conditioners, a refrigerator, a generator and even stole construction nails meant for the school, Ohio Auditor Dave Yost and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley announced in a joint news conference in the prosecutor’s office.
“This was an individual who, with complete boldness and without fear of repercussions, was using the accounts of the school district — money meant for the children — to furnish a very lavish lifestyle,” O’Malley said.
A grand jury on Tuesday indicted the 49 year old on theft in office and tampering with records charges. His initial court appearance is set for May 30.