Lake Andes, SD (KELO-AM) - Three people charged with felony offenses made their initial court appearnces with their attorneys Tuesday in Charles Mix County. Former GEAR UP Program Manager Stacy Phelps is charges with falsification of documents and conspiracy. His attorney, Dana Hanna told reporters his client was not being charged with stealing money, and says "the charges are groundless"
Dan Guericke, the former Platte, SD based Mid Central Educational Cooperative Director, is charged with falsifying evidence and conspiracy. His attorney, Mike Butler, says he's "been watching TV" to find out more about the case and would not comment further until he had more information.
Stephanie Hubers is a former Mid-Central Office employee. She's been accused of accepting over 50 K in "hush money", grand theft and falsifying documents. She's represented by Clint Sargent.
the investigation was set into motion by a September 2015 murder-suicide and fire that killed Mid-Central employees Scott and Nichole Westerhuis and their children. It happened just hours after the firm learned it was losing a valuable GEAR UP contract.
More than $1 million is unaccounted for. The defendants will enter pleas at the next court appearance, scheduled for April 19th.