Two former Vigo County school officials face federal charge

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Two former Vigo County school officials each face a federal charge for allegedly taking kickbacks from a contractor over two years.

A criminal complaint unsealed in federal court Wednesday charges former Vigo County School Corp. facilities director Frank Fennell and Frank Shahadey, a Vigo County deputy sheriff formerly assigned to the school district, with theft or bribery of programs receiving federal funds. The complaint alleges both men obtained more than $5,000 in school district funds.

Both men denied the allegations to federal agents following a June 8 FBI raid of district offices. Their attorneys declined to comment following a court hearing Wednesday.

Shahadey was ordered held pending a detention hearing Friday. Fennell was released after the hearing.

School board president Paul Lockhart says the district fired both men later Wednesday.

(story by Associated Press)