Michael David Barker, a former maintenance director for Boone County Schools, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to court documents and statements, from November 2019 through December 2023, Barker engaged in a scheme defrauding the school system of over $3.4 million. This was done through transactions made with Jesse Marks and his company, Rush Enterprises, involving inflated invoices for custodial supplies.
Barker acknowledged that he worked with Marks to overbill the Boone County Board of Education. Barker approved invoices that significantly inflated the number of supplies delivered, which led the board to send checks to Rush Enterprises via the United States Mail. Marks then deposited these checks, withdrew funds, and shared the proceeds with Barker.
From November 2019 to December 2023, Boone County Schools paid Rush Enterprises $4,310,714.82. Barker admitted that approximately 80 percent of this amount was based on fraudulent invoices. The money was used by Barker for purchasing vehicles, equipment, and home improvements.
Barker is scheduled for sentencing on July 31, 2025. He could face a maximum of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He is also ordered to pay $3,400,000 in restitution.
“Mr. Barker took advantage of COVID-19 pandemic relief funds and put his own greed above the interests of the Boone County School system and the children it serves,” stated Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “His actions caused serious reputable harm and diminished the trust in the Boone County School system.”
Jesse Marks, from Rush, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to the same charge on February 27, 2025, and will be sentenced on July 28, 2025.
Barker's parents, Michael P. Barker and Lana Barker, also pleaded guilty to structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements. Their sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2025, and July 1, 2025, respectively.
The investigation involved several agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General, and the IRS-CI. Johnston praised the teamwork, saying, "This case is a result of outstanding teamwork and reflects the tireless dedication of this office and its law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who stole from the American people during a national emergency."
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price prosecuting.
Related information can be found by searching Case No. 2:24-cr-194 on the PACER system.
