Commerce school employee arrested on financial fraud charges

By: Brian Wellmeier

A Commerce woman has been arrested following a school system audit that uncovered suspected financial misconduct, authorities confirmed.

According to the Commerce Police Department, Katherine Smith is charged with one count of identity fraud and four counts of theft by taking. The charges are tied to an internal audit conducted by Commerce City Schools in Jackson County, which flagged irregularities in financial records.

Investigators launched a criminal probe after the audit findings were reported. That investigation ultimately led to warrants being issued for Smith’s arrest.

Police say Smith later turned herself in at the Jackson County Detention Center.

Officials have not disclosed the amount of money involved or the specific nature of the alleged transactions. It also remains unclear whether Smith is still employed by the school system as the investigation continues.