Robert Clinage, 58, was arrested for embezzling at least $60,000 from the South Lakes High School Booster Club. He turned himself in on July 12 and was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Clinage was not an employee of the high school, but volunteered as treasurer of the independent club that supports the school’s athletic programs until 2016, according to police. After he stepped down from his position, other members of the club noticed a large amount of money missing from its bank account, according to police.
The club conducted an internal audit of its finances, which initially discovered the shortcoming. A subsequent criminal investigation began in December 2016, and charges were filed in June, according to police.
“I am grateful for the current booster board members who have faced this situation head on and are fully cooperating with authorities,” Kim Retzer, the high school’s principal, said in an email to the community on July 20. “Once the new board took over in the fall of 2016, they engaged a CPA [certified public accountant] to assist with the review of historical transactions and provide ongoing professional assistance.”
In the wake of the scandal, the club reviewed and revised its bylaws, including implementing term limits and new criteria for board members, according to Retzer. They also added an additional financial position to its board to increase safeguards for handling funds.
“Protocols around handling financial transactions have been further defined with additional safeguards put in place,” Retzer said in the email. “The Activities Office and I will continue to work closely with the booster club as they work through this situation.
“I am confident in the current board of highly-dedicated parents who are focused on doing what is necessary to revitalize the booster club and provide support to our school,” she added.
Anyone with information about the embezzlement can call the FCPD at 703-691-2131.