COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A state auditor’s investigation of a now-closed charter school has led to criminal charges being filed.

William DiCianni, the husband of the former executive director of the Performing Arts School of Metropolitan Toledo, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of passing bad checks, forgery, grand theft and money laundering.

The audit found DiCianni and his wife, Kari, could not justify the use of $119,393 in taxpayer money.

The school closed at the end of last school year.

Auditors found William DiCianni had given paychecks to students that were larger than their time sheets justified.

Students told investigators they cashed their checks and gave the money to DiCianni. He then gave them some of the cash for their work.

In a written statement released Wednesday, state auditor Mary Taylor said she is glad criminal proceedings against the school are moving forward.

“The special audit showed that tax dollars were misused by school leaders. Those that abuse the public’s trust and manipulate the system for their benefit should be held accountable for their actions,” Taylor said.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com