Former Cheer Booster Treasurer Indicted for $25K Embezzlement

Fundraising for a middle school cheer team usually means bake sales, car washes, and community spirit. But for the Ocean Springs Middle School cheerleaders, their hard-earned money didn't make it to the pompoms. Allegedly, it ended up in the slot machines.

Kasi McDaniel, former treasurer of the school's cheer booster club, has been accused of embezzling more than $25,000 from the organization over the course of a year. Authorities say she siphoned off the funds, leaving the club with a shockingly low balance of just $70. That's barely enough to buy a few cheer bows, let alone send a team to a regional competition.

Cheer Dreams Crushed

The alleged theft was uncovered when the booster club's president noticed missing funds and reported it to the police. The bank where the funds were being held also reported suspicious withdrawals to the school district. Further investigation revealed that McDaniel allegedly had been making withdrawals — primarily from ATMs at Mississippi Coast casinos.

The timing couldn't have been worse. The squad had been raising money to attend a major cheer camp, an event that could have helped them land a spot in future competitions. Instead, the squad had to sit out, all because the money they worked so hard to earn was allegedly funding casino trips instead of cartwheels and stunts.

"It is disappointing that one of our adults (allegedly) misappropriated funds that were raised for students to be spent on students," the Ocean Springs School District said in a statement as reported by The Sun Herald. "We are truly thankful for the banking institution that noticed suspicious activity and called the School District."

The Investigation Unfolds

McDaniel, now 49, turned herself in to the police and was charged with felony embezzlement. She was processed and released on a $5,000 bond but has refused to speak with investigators. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

While the investigation is ongoing, authorities say more charges could be added. Meanwhile, the cheer club, made up entirely of volunteers, is left picking up the pieces and trying to recover financially. Parents and students are rallying together, determined to rebuild the program despite this major setback.

Hard Lessons Learned

While most school booster clubs are filled with dedicated parents and volunteers, this case is a cautionary tale. Schools and fundraising organizations can take steps to protect their funds, such as requiring dual signatures on withdrawals, conducting regular audits, and using banking tools to monitor suspicious activity.

As for the Ocean Springs cheerleaders? They may have missed out on their big competition, but they're not letting this scandal crush their team spirit. With the support of the community, they're determined to get back on their feet — one fundraiser at a time.

References: Ex-treasurer of South MS school's cheer club stole thousands of dollars, records show | Former cheer booster club treasurer charged with embezzlement