Police served a search warrant at Touch By an Angel Learning Academy Thursday. The owner, Tomeka Nicole Henry, has a warrant out for her arrest.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — An arrest warrant has been issued for Tomeka Nicole Henry, the owner of Lake City private school Touch By An Angel Learning Academy, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Police believe Henry stole $1.3 million out of state funding provided to Lake City private school Touch By An Angel Learning Academy.
Thursday, CCSO, officers with the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office served search warrants at the school and a home on NW Canton Lane in Lake City in connection with this investigation.
A tip was provided to police in Dec. 2023, launching an investigation spanning months.
Henry is facing charges of fraud and grand theft.
State funds came through two state funded programs: the Early Learning Coalition and the Step Up for Students program.
Police are investigating if there is anyone else involved in the crime, or any victims who may have had their personal information used in the crimes.
If you have any information, please contact detectives at (386) 752-7015 or you can submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Columbia County by calling (386) 754-7099.
“A citizen tip is what started this investigation. This is an example of our community trusting and working with law enforcement to root out criminal activity. The upsetting thing about this case is the over 1 million dollars of money fraudulently obtained was for our local families and children in need of services,” Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter said.
