Former Boone Schools Director Indicted for Fraud

Michael David Barker, the former maintenance director of Boone County Schools, has been indicted on 18 counts for allegedly defrauding the Board of Education of approximately $3.4 million. From November 2019 to December 2023, Barker is accused of falsifying documents to indicate that the school system received large quantities of custodial supplies, including hand soap and trash can liners, while only a fraction of the orders were delivered. Court documents reveal that Barker conspired with Jesse Marks, the owner of Rush Enterprises, to overbill the school board and split the proceeds, leading to Barker allegedly pocketing around $2 million. U.S. Attorney Will Thompson emphasized the impact on students, noting that the fraud occurred during a time when schools were struggling, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barker could face up to 300 years in prison if convicted on all charges, including mail fraud and money laundering. Following his arrest, Barker declined to comment outside the courthouse.