A former Farmington Public Schools employee is accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from funds intended to help students experiencing homelessness, with district officials warning that the true sum could be substantially higher.
Hatty Ligon, who worked for the Michigan district for about 30 years, faces a felony charge of embezzlement of $100,000 or more. She also faces four felony tax-related charges and a misdemeanor allegation involving the safekeeping of public money.
Prosecutors allege that the offences may date back to 2013, when Ligon moved into a role supporting homeless pupils and their families. The money included district funds and grants used to help with housing and transport to and from school.
Farmington schools embezzlement allegations
The allegations emerged after an independent audit identified significant financial irregularities. Farmington Public Schools said the review was carried out during the 2025-26 school year and that the alleged misuse of funds spanned several years.
Superintendent Dr Kelly Coffin said Ligon was placed on leave when concerns were identified and was prevented from accessing any further funds. She later retired from the district.
Ms Coffin said the investigation had not disrupted services for students and that the district had strengthened its financial controls and accountability procedures.
Ligon was arraigned at the 47th District Court in Farmington Hills on 25 August. Her bond was set at $500,000 and she is due back in court on 4 September.
If convicted of embezzlement of $100,000 or more, she could face up to 20 years in prison. Her lawyer was not immediately available to comment when contacted by local news organisations.
Members of the Farmington Board of Education expressed anger over the allegations at a recent meeting. Treasurer Terri Weems said the amount involved was “a lot more” than $100,000 and that the community had a right to be angry.
School officials said the case remained under investigation. The charges are allegations, and Ligon has not been convicted.
