Press Release

PERU — Following a comprehensive investigation led by Indiana State Police Peru detectives, the former chief financial officer for Marion Community Schools was arrested on numerous felony theft charges spanning Grant and Huntington Counties.

The investigation against Scott Bumgardner, 50, Wabash, began in October 2023 when Marion Community Schools alleged significant misappropriation of funds by Bumgardner during his time as the corporation’s CFO. Subsequent findings uncovered alleged embezzlement totaling over $26,000 between August and October 2023.

Following a thorough investigation, detectives secured a Grant County arrest warrant for Bumgardner, leading to his remand to the Grant County Jail in December 2023.

Further investigation revealed additional instances of theft at the Huntington County Community School Corporation, where Bumgardner had previously served as a business manager. It was revealed that over $458,000 had purportedly been misappropriated between 2018 and 2022.

Subsequently, detectives obtained a Huntington County arrest warrant for Bumgardner. On March 19, 2024, he was arrested and taken to the Wabash County Jail.

Bumgardner is charged with corrupt business influence and theft, both level 5 felonies; and 19 counts of theft, all level 6 felonies.

Assistance during the investigation was provided by troopers from the Peru Post, Wabash City Police Department, Indiana State Board of Accounts, Grant County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Huntington County Prosecutor’s Office.