MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio — The Boosters organization for the Cardinal Schools in Geauga County was rightfully excited about Edward Frost’s $500,000 pledge to support the district’s proposed new athletic facility.
But parents and prosecutors began raising concerns about possibly giving naming rights to Frost, whose criminal record includes a guilty plea for unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Frost is a Tier 1 registered sex offender.
Frost has also been in trouble with the law for two counts of aggravated theft.
The Ravenna businessman has now been charged with passing a $2.5 million dollar bad check in a business deal unrelated to the schools.
“The allegation is he’s provided this $2.5 million check and at the time, his account only had $25,000 and the account was subsequently closed four days later after the check was issued,” said Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz.
Bill Poole, President of the Cardinal High School Boosters, issued the following statement to Channel 3:
“Huskie Nation Foundation is a non-profit affiliated with the school, but we’re formed to put a stadium project together. I don’t think the position Ed Frost is in right now is the position to be handing out donations to anyone. I don’t know what he’s incarcerated for right now. He will not get naming rights. There is no understanding that we will be receiving that $500,000 so there is no need to discuss this any further.”
Channel 3 reached out to Frost’s attorney, Stephen Colecchi for comment but phone calls were not returned.
Interim Superintendent for Cardinal Schools, Bill Kermavner, called the situation unfortunate and very disappointing. He said, “It’s just not a good thing for anyone involved.”
Frost was locked up in the Geauga County Jail as of Thursday. He faces up to 36 months behind bars and a $10,000 fine if convicted.