Finding for Recovery Issued Against Former Canton Schools Instructor Following Investigation into Restoration of His Personal Vehicle

COLUMBUS — A finding for recovery of $11,501.99 was issued Tuesday against a former Canton City Schools instructor, following an investigation into the restoration of his personal vehicle using district resources.

Todd Hoover, who worked as a career technology-welding instructor from August 2017 until May 2023, has already paid $5,286.18 of the total, leaving a balance still due of $6,215.81.

The Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) launched an investigation in April 2023 over allegations that Hoover had purchased parts for his personal vehicle using district funds.

SIU determined that Hoover used $11,501.99 in district funds to purchase vehicle parts, equipment, graphic renditions, and paint for his personal vehicle as part of an effort to promote Canton City Schools’ Autobody Technology Program.

Hoover retained ownership of the vehicle, however, and later traded it, receiving an $8,000 trade-in value.

Hoover was indicted in the case in Stark County Common Pleas Court and pleaded guilty in October 2024 to a misdemeanor count of theft. His sentence included ordered restitution of $3,886.18 and a suspended jail sentence.

The full special audit detailing the investigation and Tuesday’s finding for recovery is available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.

Since 2019, the Special Investigations Unit has assisted in 132 convictions resulting in more than $13 million in restitution (see Map of SIU Convictions since January 2019). The team receives hundreds of tips of suspected fraud annually. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or via SIU’s fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364).

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The Auditor of State’s Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.

Public Affairs
Contact: Marc Kovac
press@ohioauditor.gov