This from Huntington County Indiana News: HUNTINGTON, IN— In a case that highlights the misuse of public trust, Scott T. Bumgardner was sentenced on November 25, 2024, for charges of Corrupt Business Influence and Theft in Huntington Circuit Court. Judge Davin G. Smith presided over the sentencing hearing, which commenced and concluded during an 8:30 a.m. session.
Bumgardner entered a guilty plea on September 30, 2024, to Count 1 – Corrupt Business Influence (Level 5 Felony) and Count 8 – Theft (Level 5 Felony). Eighteen additional charges, all related to theft, were dismissed under a plea agreement. Arguments from Prosecuting Attorney Jeremy Nix and Defense Attorney Kristina Lynn were heard before the court accepted the guilty plea and entered judgment.
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Count 1: Corrupt Business InfluenceSentence: 3 years executed at the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC).
Start Date: November 25, 2024.
Credit: 51 days for pre-sentencing incarceration.
Consecutive Sentencing: To run consecutively with Count 8 and another case (Cause No. 27C01-2311-F6-000823).
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Count 8: Theft (Value > $50,000)Sentence: 4 years suspended to probation, with probation commencing immediately on November 25, 2024.
Consecutive Sentencing: To run consecutively with Count 1 and the other pending case.
Bumgardner was ordered to pay a total of $453,327 in restitution, divided between the Huntington County Community School Corporation (HCCSC) and associated insurers. Additional fines and fees included:
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Public Defender Fee: $850.
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Court Costs: $189.
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Probation Fees: Specified in Conditions of Probation.
Cash bond funds will be applied toward restitution, fines, and fees, with any remaining balance returned to the depositor.
As part of the plea agreement, charges 2 through 7 and 9 through 20, all related to theft where the value of property ranged from $750 to $50,000, were dismissed.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Smith acknowledged the aggravating factor of Bumgardner’s position of trust with the victim. While the defendant’s guilty plea was noted as a mitigating factor, the court emphasized that this action primarily benefited the defendant under the plea agreement. The judgment reflects the court’s determination that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating ones.
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Bumgardner knowingly waived his right to appeal.
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A DNA sample was ordered per Indiana statute.
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The public defender appointment will be vacated 30 days post-sentencing.
The case underscores the consequences of financial mismanagement within public institutions. Prosecuting Attorney Nix emphasized the significance of ensuring restitution and accountability, particularly given the large sum owed to the HCCSC.
Huntington County residents will watch closely as Bumgardner begins serving his sentence, with the hope that this resolution will bring closure and justice for the affected parties.
