NEW CANEY, Texas – The former superintendent of New Caney ISD is facing a theft charge.
Kenn Franklin is accused of submitting fictitious expense sheets at least 22 times during 2020, adding up to well over $2,500 in reimbursements, according to court records.
The complaint states school district police suspected the then-superintendent was returning travel vouchers for work trips he didn’t actually take. The concerns popped up after employees did not see him at an event he said he had traveled to.
An investigator wrote that he witnessed Franklin at home the evening of Oct. 6 even though Franklin later submitted $259.90 in mileage to San Antonio for that time period. The former superintendent’s phone and toll records were also reviewed.
The district said Franklin submitted his resignation on Nov. 16. Just days earlier, the defendant told the investigator during an interview that he didn’t live up to expectations and the stresses of taking care of his elderly parents, along with his wife living three hours away, took its toll.
The school district said in a statement: “New Caney ISD has been notified of the investigation by law enforcement. The district will provide requested information and assist law enforcement in any way that it can. On Nov. 16, 2020, Mr. Franklin submitted, and the Board of Trustees accepted his resignation. The district cannot comment further as this is an ongoing investigation.”
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office said Franklin turned himself in on Thursday. The jail’s website showed he bonded out the same day.