Technology director in Colorado district accused of embezzlement

The technology director for a Colorado school district has been fired and charged with theft after being accused of embezzling in excess of $400,000 from the district.

The Montrose County district says in a news release that it has fired Robert “Steve” McEwin after an internal investigation. He has been charged with second-degree forgery, use of a forged academic record, and felony theft.

The district says the amount McEwin is accused of embezzling is still under criminal investigation, but may exceed $400,000 based on forged financial records the district uncovered.

A personnel performance evaluation of McEwin, initiated in September, uncovered suspicious activity, questionable expenditures, and potential financial impropriety.

He was placed on administrative leave in October, the district said.

Along with fraudulently altered expense receipts and use of district credit cards for personal expenses and travel, McEwin falsely asserted he had completed a doctoral program for which he received additional compensation.

After referring evidence to the Montrose police, the district and police investigators partnered carried out a two-month investigation that led to McEwin’s firing and the criminal charges.

The Montrose Press reports that when McEwin was arrested, he was preparing to move out of the area, Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall said.

McEwin was freed on a $60,000 bond.

The Montrose County district hired McEwin in 2013; according to the district’s website, his most recent salary was about $102,000 a year.