Former Georgia state schools Superintendent Linda C. Schrenko has been sentenced to eight years in prison for diverting federal education funds into her failed 2002 gubernatorial campaign and for her personal use.
U.S. District Court Judge Clarence Cooper also ordered her to pay almost $415,000 in restitution, to serve three years’ probation, and to perform 100 hours of community service.
In May, Ms. Schrenko, who used some of the money for a facelift, pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering. The July 12 sentence reflects the terms of the plea agreement. (“Former Georgia Schools Chief Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Money Laundering,” May 17, 2006.)
She will serve her sentence at a federal prison for women in Tallahassee, Fla., but will be free on bond until she is told to report. Ms. Schrenko, a Republican, served two terms in the elected post, during which she was often at odds with other state officials and with state and national education groups.
