An Indiana school superintendent has been arrested and charged with fraud after using her own personal health insurance to help a pupil who had fallen sick.
After her pupil missed school, Casey Smitherman visited the boy's house and discovered that he was in fact suffering from strep throat. For those of you who don't know, strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. If it goes untreated, strep throat can cause some really serious complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever itself can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.
Unfortunately in this case, the boy could not afford to buy medicine for himself, so Smitherman took the 15-year-old to a clinic and pretended that he was her son. The child was then prescribed Amoxicillin antibiotics, costing around $233, with police later being tipped off to the alleged fraud.
After talking to the child's real guardian, the police arrested the Elmwood Community School teacher earlier this month. Smitherman issued a statement about the incident, implying that she would do it all over again if she had the chance.
Speaking to Fox59, Smitherman said:
"I am committed to this community and our students, and I regret if this action has undermined your trust in me.
"From the beginning, my ultimate goal has been to provide the best environment for Elwood students’ growth physically, mentally and academically, and I remain focused on that purpose."
She also revealed that she has previously bought clothes for the boy and helped him clean his home.
The teacher has been released on bail after being charged with identity deception, official misconduct, and insurance fraud. She says that she plans on entering a diversion programme, which would allow her charges to be dismissed if she manages to avoid being arrested for a year.
Her school board president has reportedly given her his full support on this matter.
