School superintendents plead guilty to embezzlement

Two school superintendents, Earl Joe Nelson and Monekea Smith-Taylor, pleaded guilty in federal court in Aberdeen to conspiracy to commit embezzlement, officials said. They appeared before District Judge Sharion Aycock and joined Mario Willis, who pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy in October 2025.

“Thank you to the US Attorney’s Office for helping us bring this case to a close,” said State Auditor Shad White. “My office will continue to work with prosecutors to deliver record results for taxpayers.”

The guilty pleas mark a significant development in a case that involved public officials entrusted with oversight of school operations and funds. School superintendents are responsible for managing district budgets, directing educational programs and ensuring taxpayer dollars support classrooms; criminal charges against such officials can erode public confidence and have budgetary implications for local districts.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with the state auditor’s office in the prosecution, underscoring the federal and state roles in investigating alleged misuse of public money. Details about the amounts involved, specific conduct alleged and potential sentences were not provided in the initial release. We will provide more information as it becomes available.