Published: August 27, 2008 08:39 am      

Teacher’s theft charges will move to inactive court docket

CUMBERLAND — Charges against an Allegany County teacher for embezzlement and theft last year will be placed on the inactive court docket in the near future.

Deputy State’s Attorney Fred Voss confirmed Tuesday that the district court case involving Carmen Harden will be indefinitely continued in exchange for her resignation, which has already occurred.

Harden was arrested in September following investigation that began in June 2007 when the Allegany County Board of Education notified the Cumberland Police Department that a teacher possibly was embezzling funds.

Police said that about $10,000 was taken from Allegany and Westmar high schools, where Harden served as an adviser to several student groups.

The 35-year-old teacher was arrested at her Frostburg residence and posted $20,000 bond later that day.

Voss said the state’s position on the case followed consultation between his office and the Allegany County Board of Education and its attorney, Gary Hanna.