JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering announced today Roger Liddell, former principal of Simmons High School in the Hollandale School System in Washington County, has been served a demand in the amount of $111,581.38 following an investigation by the State Auditor’s Office.

A complaint received in 2009 started the investigation into missing computers, televisions and video equipment. The amount of inventory missing from the Hollandale School District is valued at $73,032.88.

“This demand represents a large amount of money for taxpayers in Washington County and students attending the Hollandale Schools,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “Often in tough economic times, our school districts are forced to do more with less. In some cases, that means no new equipment and supplies or in worse cases, fewer teachers in the classroom. I am appalled that an administrator would purchase state-of-the-art equipment with taxpayer dollars and deprive Washington County students of the opportunity to learn from it.”

Special agents with the State Auditor’s Office served the demand on Liddell Wednesday morning. Liddell has 30 days to repay the demanded amount which includes investigative costs and interest. After 30 days, the case will be turned over to the Attorney General for collection.

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