LIBERTY TWP. — A criminal investigation began this week into the theft of several hundred dollars for the Lakota East High School prom.

The investigation was launched Wednesday after Lakota East High School Assistant Principal Stacy Millberg reported that some of the prom funds were missing, said Sgt. Monte Mayer, Butler County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Lakota East’s prom was held April 28 at the Savannah Center in West Chester Twp.

“Lakota is reviewing this situation,” said Elliot Grossman, a district spokesman.

According to an incident report filed Thursday on behalf of the Lakota Board of Education, Millberg discovered that a teacher, who was not identified, conducted $760 worth of ticket sales in her classroom, but the money was never placed into the prom account.

Mayer said a suspect has been identified but charges have not yet been filed. Deputies are investigating whether any additional money is missing, he said.

Millburg, who oversees the prom committee, said last month the operating budget was about $20,000 for this year’s prom, and that no taxpayer dollars are used to cover the cost of conducting the prom.

Costs include renting the venue, security, hiring a disc jockey, lighting and decorations, invitations, T-shirts and snacks, she said. Money is raised through ticket sales and fundraisers. Prom tickets were sold for $40 for the first five days and then increased to $50, she said.

Steve Dawkins, general manager of the Savannah Center, declined to comment Thursday about whether Lakota East has paid its $13,000 rental fee.