Ex-treasurer of South MS school’s cheer club stole thousands of dollars, records show
The former treasurer of the Ocean Springs Middle School cheer booster club, indicted on a felony charge of embezzlement, allegedly stole over $25,000, records show.
Kasi Michelle McDaniel, 49, is accused of stealing the money over one year beginning in November 2022. In February, McDaniel waived her arraignment on the offense and pleaded not guilty.
A criminal investigation began at the end of 2023 after the booster club’s president reported the stolen money. When police learned of the alleged theft, the account had a $70 balance, Ocean Springs police said.
.jpeg "Kasi McDaniel_fitted (1).jpeg")
The bank that held the funds also alerted the Ocean Springs School District to suspicious activity in the account after noticing suspicious withdrawals.
According to police, McDaniel had withdrawn the money primarily from ATMs at Mississippi Coast casinos. During that time, the members had been raising money for the cheer club to attend a regional cheer camp at the end of 2023.
As a result of the theft, Ocean Springs police said the club didn’t have enough money for the students to attend the cheer camp.
McDaniel is currently out of jail on a $5,000 bond.
At the time of her arrest, McDaniel declined to talk to police investigators.
In a statement then, the Ocean Springs School District said: “It is disappointing that one of our adults (allegedly) misappropriated funds that were raised for students to be spent on students. We are truly thankful for the banking institution that noticed suspicious activity and called the School District.”
The cheer club is made up of volunteers who help raise money for students to attend various events throughout the year, including regional and out-of-state cheer competitions.
Because the theft involved more than $25,000, the crime carries a a maximum prison sentence of 20 years or up to $25,000 in fines, or both.
This story was originally published February 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
