Former Midwestern Intermediate IU4 Official Pleads Guilty

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Cecelia H. Yauger, age 56, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January 2012, to in and around December 2012, Yauger, being an agent of the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV (“IU4”), did knowingly steal property worth at least $5,000, which was owned by and under the custody and control of IU4.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Nov. 14, 2014 at 3 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cecelia H. Yauger.