Avon art teacher gets probation for theft, other charges

Anne Maiden, 39, of Elyria, was sentenced to five years of probation on 26 charges for crimes including theft, forgery, criminal damaging, receiving stolen property, misuse of credit cards and possession of criminal tools.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Russo ordered Maiden to "perform 125 hours of community service and pay $20,429.92 in restitution, or spend five and a half years in prison," according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Between Aug. 24 and Oct. 29, 2009, Maiden targeted the parked cars of joggers and runners in the Metroparks, smashing car windows and stealing purses and credit cards. Victims of the theft incurred charges from stores throughout Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, including from Kohl's, Wal-mart, Sam's Club, GetGo and Target.

Ryan Miday, prosecutor spokesman, told the Plain Dealer that Maiden also stole credit cards in Lake, Geauga, Medina, Summit and Ashland counties.

Avon Middle School Principal Craig Koehler told the Morning Journal that, as far as he knows, Maiden "is still employed" as an art teacher at Avon Middle School. "She has not resigned and the board has not officially terminated her," Koehler told to the paper. "I know the board has contacted the Ohio Department of Education regarding the licensure, but details I do not know."