A man has been arrested in connection with the theft of more than $37,000 from the funds of an Ellsworth school organization.
Joshua Dudeck, who had served as the treasurer for the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School Parent, Teacher and Friends (EEMS PTF) organization, faces a Class B charge of theft by unauthorized taking. The organization had reported that unaccounted for funds were removed from account over a period of about 2 ½ years, starting October 2022, according to the Ellsworth Police Department.
Dudeck ran for Ellsworthâs school board in 2021 but lost, finishing third in a 3-way race for one available seat.
On July 12, 2025, the account was reported to have a negative balance, and the theft investigation was opened.
Account information for the EEMS PTF organization fund, which is not affiliated with the school system accounts, and interviews conducted as part of the investigation revealed that approximately $37,900 had been stolen from the fund.
Dudeck, 45, had served as the treasurer for the organization throughout the time that the money was reported missing.
A search warrant executed at Dudeckâs house turned up approximately $3,853 in cash and $1,111 in undeposited checks made out to the EEMS PTF, according to Ellsworth police.
Dudeck was arraigned at Ellsworth Unified Court on Tuesday, and released on $1,000 cash bail.
Dudeck, contacted by phone Tuesday afternoon, declined to comment about the charges. He said local lawyer Will Ashe is representing him in the case.
Ashe did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
BDN Editor Bill Trotter contributed to this report.