Paris Athletic Booster Club Responds to Howard's Sentence

In September 2024, we posted that we had been made aware of a theft within the organization. A thorough review of records was done and information regarding the missing was turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Monroe County Prosecutor's office. 
Jessica R. Howard was charged with six felonies that included forgery, stealing of $750 or more, and the fraudulent use of a credit/debit device. Howard was arrested on a warrant on January 31, 2025. She had a bond hearing on February 3, 2025. The preliminary hearing was waived per defendant. 
According to Casenet, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, during her arraignment, Howard pled guilty to one felony count of forgery and one felony count of stealing. She received a 5-year prison sentence on each of those felonies. The execution of the sentence was suspended and she received 5 years' probation and restitution of $23,424.45 to The Paris Athletic Booster Club. 
Howard's employer, Prenger Foods, Paris MO, where some of the theft occurred, reimbursed the club $14,000 on behalf of Jessica Howard. We should receive the remaining $9,424.45 by February 20th. 
Steps have been taken to safeguard the finances in the future. We now have two treasures and a check and balance are done with both individuals at the end of every month. We welcome all community members to any of our meetings where financial statements are available for review. 
Our next meeting is March 17th at 5:30 p.m. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact a Booster Club member. 
We also want to mention that The Paris Athletic Booster Club Organization is not part of the Paris R-II school district. We stand alone with our finances and support all the sports events. 
Thank you for the continued support of the Booster Club, and please support the businesses that support our kids and community.

Thank you! The Paris Athletic Booster Club Board