Former Carrollton schools treasurer sentenced to 18 months in prison for theft in office

The former treasurer of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District is headed to prison.

Amy Spears, 50, formerly of 99 McCook Ave., Carrollton, was sentenced to 18 months in the Ohio State Penitentiary at a sentencing hearing Tuesday morning, Oct. 7, before Carroll County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael V. Repella II.

In addition to the prison sentence, Spears was ordered to pay $22,620 in restitution taken from her pension and is eligible for judicial release if she maintains good behavior and passes a prison conduct review. Spears also is subject to up to three years of post-release control after prison if the full term is served.

The sentence was handed down after attorneys for both the state and the defense had the opportunity to speak.

Spears’ reply

“I’m sorry for my actions and take full responsibility. I ask my family and friends for forgiveness for the embarrassment I have caused them.”

Spears previously entered a guilty plea to a third-degree felony charge of theft in office contained in a May 4, 2025, indictment returned by the Carroll County grand jury.

Judge’s comments

Before sentencing, Judge Repella made the following remarks:

— On community harm and deterrence 

"The fact remains that you stole from the entire community. That's what you did."

— On returning the money only after being caught

"It's kind of a kid getting their hand caught in a cookie jar kind of thing because you gave the $5,000 back and you came up with a story. But it was after somebody asked you what happened to the money, and then you gave it back."

— On the forged class documents

"And then you come up with these forged documents or classes that you never completed… you got your hand caught in the cookie jar of excuses as to why you did these things."

— On punishment philosophy

"I routinely send people to prison who steal things. Somebody steals a trailer in this county and they're found guilty — I send them to prison. My hope is that becomes known in the community and people stop stealing things."

— On why this case is different

"With you, you're a little bit different than somebody that steals a trailer or a vehicle… you don't have any prior criminal history. From all accounts, you're a good person with family and friend support. But you still stole from the entire community."

— On sentence decision

"I really was interested in what the prosecutor had to say and what your attorney had to say… I wasn't sure if I would go with the prosecutor's recommendation or prison time.But as I sit here right now, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't send you to prison."

Announcing the sentence

"What I'm going to do is sentence you to 18 months in the Ohio State Penitentiary."

— On possible early release

"Because it's less than 24 months, you will be eligible for conditional release… but your behavior in prison will determine that. You must be on your best behavior — no fights, no taking things you’re not supposed to take, no rule violations."

At the conclusion of the sentencing, Spears was handcuffed by a Carroll County Sheriff’s deputy and taken to the Carroll County Jail to be held until her transfer to prison.