Ex-Elmhurst School Official's Criminal Trial Delayed

ROCKFORD, IL – A former Elmhurst School District 205 official had been slated for a jury trial next week for allegations that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his mother.

Instead, it was delayed.

Todd Schmidt, the district's former facilities director, and his wife, Rita Schmidt, now have a new judge for their felony cases, with a hearing set for next Tuesday. They were charged in November 2024.

It's common for trials to be delayed. Although TV shows often portray otherwise, the vast majority of cases are settled through plea deals, rather than trials.

According to a Rockford police investigation, Schmidt offered to take care of his mother's finances after his father died in 2018.

But instead of helping his mother, Schmidt spent her money on an "extravagant" lifestyle, the report said.

Meanwhile, his mother's water was turned off twice as Schmidt was late practically every month in paying her water bills, police said.

His relatives reported the alleged theft to authorities. Patch wrote about the investigation in December 2024, shortly after Schmidt resigned from his district job.

At District 205, Schmidt oversaw $168 million in spending on building projects. At the same time, he logged $50,000 in credit card misspending on his public credit card.

He spent on such things as booze, cigars, airfare, restaurants, country clubs and his daughter's sorority.

He paid back the amounts every month, though he was using public resources for private purposes. Police decided against charging him.