A former school superintendent has pleaded guilty before a federal judge, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Dr. Larry Gene Devitt, who once served as the superintendent of the Ira Independent School District, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of mail fraud before U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings.

The now-64 year-old former superintendent embezzled nearly $13,500 in federal funds by purchasing personal items with the IISD Visa and Discover credit cards, and misappropriating funds for ISD vendors between July 2006 and July 2007.

Devitt claimed that he was using those cards and vendor funds for work-related expenses such as supplies, travel, staff development, and training. The vendors and cards were paid by having staff draw a check on the IISD accounts.

Devitt faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000, and restitution. Under the plea agreement, Devitt has voluntarily surrendered his Texas Educator Certificate, and will not have the opportunity to apply for another.

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