School cook admits to stealing lunch money

HILLSBORO, Ohio - Stolen lunch money at an elementary school doesn't sound like news, but the culprit is a lunch lady who admitted to stealing thousands.

Police say Pam Ward, the head cook at Hillsboro Elementary School, was caught by the state auditor pocketing more than $6,500 from the cafeteria register.

Ward was charged by the Highland County prosecutor with one count of theft.

Dozens of bank deposits came up short over a four month period and cash from 2,900 school lunches had vanished.

Ward pleaded guilty and is expected to be sentenced by a judge next week.

The auditor is holding Ward responsible for paying back the $6,500.