Editor's note: The original headline of this article incorrectly stated Franklin was charged with stealing at least $30,000 based on information obtained from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and the article did not clarify the intricacies of the charges. This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
New Caney ISD's former Superintendent Kenn Franklin, who suddenly left his position in mid-November, was arrested at 3:05 p.m. Jan. 7 and charged with theft of at least $30,000 and tampering with a government record, according to arrest records from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
According to Montgomery County Jail records and formal complaints made with the Montgomery County District Clerk's Office, Franklin is accused of stealing at least $2,500 but less than $30,000 from the school district, which is a state jail felony. However, because Franklin was a public servant, Texas law requires his charge to be increased to the next category, which is a third degree felony with a theft value range of more than or equal to $30,000 but less than $150,000.
Additionally, Franklin is also being charged with tampering with a government record with the intent to defraud or harm, which is a state jail felony.
Formal complaints filed Dec. 7 with the district clerk's office claim Franklin knowingly made false entries in the district's expense sheet for employee travel, with "false entry being travel expenses that were never incurred."
