FORMER HEAD-START OFFICIAL STOLE $20,000

(06/13/2007)
A former official at a state agency located in Parkersburg that oversaw Head Start programs for 10 counties, including Calhoun, has been charged with embezzling $20,000.

Federal prosecutors filed an information on June 7, alleging that Brian D. Marshall stole the money while he was "fiscal manager" for Parkersburg-based Family Development, Inc.

The agency covered Head-Starts in Wood, Wirt, Jackson, Roane, Gilmer, Calhoun, Doddridge, Tyler, Pleasants, and Ritchie counties.

An information usually means that the defendant is cooperating with authorities in the case.

A plea hearing for Marshall is scheduled for next week in front of U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

The report alleges that Marshall misappropriated the funds between January 2005 and September 30, 2005.

Family Development surrendered control of the $3.37 million Head Start grant in 2005 after it failed to correct a large number of deficiencies.

Currently, Community Development Inc., which took over for FDI, is administering the fund.

Head Start in Calhoun is delivered by Calhoun Schools.