Man at center of shutdown charity in court

Like many districts, Covington Independent Schools is seeing a bus driver shortage. The school district is looking for more bus drivers to transport its 1,800 students. Shawn Stein, the transportation director for Covington Independent, said bus drivers provide more than a simple service. "They know the kids' names, they know the kids' parents," he said. "They even know the kids' grades. They really get attached to them." A Tri-State man is facing felony charges over allegations that he stole money he had claimed would benefit the area's "Shop with a Cop" gift program for children in need. Jerry Hinkle is facing charges of theft and telecommunications fraud after law enforcement officials warned that people should not donate to an organization called "The Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic Organization." Investigators said that group, and others called the "Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic Alliance" and the "Eighth District Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio" are fake, but that Hinkle and his associates used those names to collect donations and steal them.