Criminal charges filed against former Cannelton superintendent |

An arrest warrant has been issued for Marion "Al" Chapman, the former Cannelton School Superintendent.

Chapman was removed from his position in December 2011 after the school board ruled that he failed to manage the district's finances.

A state audit released in August 2012 alleged that Chapman overpaid himself more than $200,000, quit paying the school's federal taxes and misspent more than $300,000 from a trust.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller filed a civil suit against Chapman in August, in an effort to recoup the missing funds. The suit also asked the judge to freeze Champman's bank accounts and assets.

Now, Chapman is facing criminal charges. Perry County Prosecutor Rod Acchiardo says he asked Indiana State Police to conduct an investigation once the audit was finished. That investigation revealed further evidence of criminal acts, according to Acchiardo.

Chapman is now facing two felony theft counts and two counts of official misconduct, which is also a felony.

It's believed that Chapman may be in Louisiana. He was a finalist for a position in a school district near Baton Rouge, but was passed over when officials there learned about his possible legal trouble here in Indiana.

The warrant issued for Chapman is one that can be served anywhere in the country. Acchiardo says this isn't something his office normally does, but it's important in this case to restore the the trust of the public.

Federal charges could also be filed against Chapman. Acchiardo tells 14News the FBI is also investigating.

Previous Stories:

http://www.14news.com/story/16160169/local-school-superintendent-suspended

http://www.14news.com/story/16380598/cannelton-schools-superintendent-could-be-on-the-way-out