On Tuesday, Victor Robbins, 44, pleaded not guilty to theft in the first degree for stealing over $20,000 from the White River School District. Robbins, who was employed by the school district, pocketed parents’ cash payments for after school programs and failed to pay the fees he owed for his children to be enrolled in the programs. He was charged on July 29, 2014, and a summons was issued for him to appear for arraignment this morning. Robbins was released on his personal recognizance.

“The defendant stole from the school district, parents and the community,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “This is another unfortunate reminder to ‘trust but verify’ when allowing employees to handle money.”

From September 2010 through February 2014, Robbins worked as an assistant coordinator for the White River School District’s Community Activity Program (CAP). The program provides before and after school activities and daycare for students. Parents pay fees to the district for these services. During his tenure, Robbins frequently collected cash payments from parents, recorded the payments in the books, and pocketed the money.

In February 2014, another coordinator was hired and discovered that Robbins had enrolled his two children in CAP, but was not paying for the services. School officials placed Robbins on paid leave. They seized his computer, but discovered the programs and files had been deleted.

This prompted an audit by the Washington State Auditor’s Office, which found that Robbins owed $9,473 for CAP services his children received, and that he had recorded $10,747 in cash payments that were not deposited in the school’s bank account.

The total loss caused by Robbins, including the cost of the investigation and audit, is $25,725.

Robbins admitted to stealing the money, but did not explain why.

Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.