Woman who stole from cancer fundraiser gets prison

LYNDHURST, Ohio (WJW) – A former South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools Secretary who pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from a fundraiser for the school’s principal, who was battling cancer, heard from family members as she was sentenced Tuesday.

Stacie LaRiccia, 40, entered guilty pleas last month in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to charges of grand theft and theft in office.

Police said LaRiccia stole money from a 5k fundraiser she organized for Fording. The money raised was to go to for cancer research at University Hospitals and to Fording’s family to help with medical bills. Instead, police said thousands of dollars were used by LaRiccia for food and entertainment.

Police say LaRiccia also took funds from student fees and pocketed thousands of dollars that was meant for the school district.

As part of the plea deal, the judge ordered LaRiccia to make restitution in the amount of $25,000 to the family of principal Michael Fording and $2,688 to the South Euclid-Lyndhurst City School District.

Lyndhurst Police Detective Lt. Michael Scipione said he began investigating the case in January.

Michael Fording’s wife spoke to the courtroom ahead of the sentencing.

“When my husband Mike was diagnosed with cancer, he wanted to keep it private,” Missy Fording shared.

Michael Fording passed away on November 26, 2023, 5 months after a 5K fundraiser organized by LaRiccia, according to Missy Fording.

“Mike would have been devastated to know what she has done,” Missy said tearfully.

“She has shown no remorse except for being sorry she was caught.”

LaRiccia did not speak in court and did not look up during the hearing.

The defense also noted that a “significant portion” of restitution had been paid to the Fording family and the school.

“She is aware she’s going [to prison] today. She’ll be gone for the holidays, she’ll be away from her daughter,” said Atty. Morgan Caruso, who represents LaRiccia. “But in my discussions with her yesterday as we prepared for this hearing, she indicated to me that that pain that she feels is nothing in comparison to what Principal Fording’s family has likely gone through during this unfathomable period of grief and she is extremely remorseful that this matter has colored that time period for them with added stress and devastation.”

The judge had strong words for LaRiccia, who chose not to speak in court.

“You compounded their grief and anguish by making them deal with this process,” the judge said.

The court issued a total prison sentence of 12 months.

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