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Ex-Stillwater school secretary charged in $90K theft

Danielle Heller, a 40-year-old former secretary and activities coach at Stillwater Middle School, was charged in Washington County with stealing about $90,613.50 from the school's Sunshine Fund.[1]

She faces 12 felony counts alleging theft that prosecutors say spanned 2017 to 2024.[1] Prosecutors allege she used the staff fund to pay personal utilities and purchases and at times deposited other school funds into the account to gain access.[1] The district conducted an internal investigation in late 2024, referred the case to police, and said Heller is no longer employed; her first court appearance is scheduled for October.[1]

The alleged theft targeted the school's Sunshine Fund, a staff account, and accumulated to roughly $90,613.50 over the seven-year period alleged by authorities.[1]

  1. FOX 9
Education Legal
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📌 Key Facts

  • Defendant: 40-year-old former employee Danielle Heller, secretary and activities coach at Stillwater Middle School
  • Alleged amount stolen: $90,613.50 from the school’s Sunshine Fund between 2017 and 2024
  • Charges: 12 felony counts of theft filed in Washington County
  • Alleged method: Using staff fund to pay personal utilities and purchases, and depositing other school funds into the account to gain access
  • District action: Internal investigation in late 2024, referral to police, and Heller is no longer employed; first court appearance set for October

📰 Source Timeline (1)

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September 22, 2026