I-Team: Woman accused of stealing $30K from Brush principal’s cancer fund goes before judge

LYNDHURST , Ohio (WJW) — A woman accused of stealing about $30,000 from a cancer fund for her former boss had little to say as she appeared in court Monday to face a felony theft charge.

Stacie LaRiccia refused to answer questions from the FOX 8 I-Team , and walked past family members of her former boss, Michael Fording. Fording was a beloved principal at Brush High School and died of cancer in November. His family members packed the court wearing “Team Fording” shirts.

The money raised was to go to University Hospitals for cancer research and to Fording’s family to help with medical bills. Instead, police said “tens of thousands of dollars” were used by LaRiccia for food and entertainment.

LaRiccia entered a not guilty plea to a felony theft by deception charge. She also waived her right to a preliminary hearing. Her case will now be sent to a Cuyahoga County grand jury to determine if she should be indicted on the charges.

At the end of the hearing, visiting Judge Denise Rini continued LaRiccia’s bond and made this statement:

“I don’t know what the issues are, but know this is just a little blip in your life and you will get past that,” the judge said.

Several members of Fording’s family said they were upset by the judge’s comment.

“I was absolutely shocked,” said Amanda Fording, Michael Fording’s daughter. “I think Stacie’s actions were intentional. She knew what she was doing. My father respected her. He would be heartbroken.”

Family members added they want justice.

The I-Team reached out to the judge after the hearing. She said she did not mean to downplay the situation or upset the family. She also said she spoke to the family after about her comment.

Lyndhurst Police Detective Lt. Michael Scipione said he began investigating the case in January and that it remains under investigation. Scipione said it is possible additional charges could be filed.

Fording’s family members said they are grateful for the help they have received from the community.

“The support is amazing,” said Missy Fording, Michael Fording’s wife. “We are just grateful we all have each other.”

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