Autism Society director resigns after guilty plea in Stark County theft case
The Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley has accepted the resignation of Executive Director Stacie Bacorn, following her guilty plea in a Stark County felony theft case involving a previous employer.
Bacorn admitted in court Tuesday to stealing nearly $7,000 from the YWCA of Alliance between March 2023 and August 2024 while serving as the organization’s executive director. She was charged with a fifth-degree felony and entered her plea through a bill of information, which bypassed the grand jury process.
Julie Jakmides, the YWCA’s board president-elect, delivered a victim impact statement in court, calling Bacorn’s conduct a serious breach of trust.
“This was not a single lapse in judgment,” Jakmides told the court. “It was a deliberate pattern of behavior that happened over time, with full knowledge that it was wrong.”
The day after the plea, Bacorn submitted both a verbal and written resignation to the Autism Society. On Wednesday evening, the board voted to formally accept it during a closed meeting at the Easter Seals building in Youngstown. Vice President of the Board Jodi Glass, who now leads the board as president, spoke after the vote.
“Our board and our executive board just voted today to accept the resignation of our director, Stacey Bacorn,” Glass said.
Glass said the board was caught off guard by the news and had not been aware of the case prior to the court hearing. However, she emphasized that there is no indication of financial wrongdoing during Bacorn’s time with the Autism Society.
“The feeling is that it’s very unfortunate that this happened,” Glass said. “The board is positioned to move forward though. We have great plans in place to continue to fulfill our mission to serve the Mahoning Valley.”
In a press release, the Autism Society confirmed that previous Board President Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer will now serve as acting executive director while the organization evaluates its leadership needs and begins a transition process.
Heschmeyer addressed the situation in the release, stating:
“This news is deeply disappointing, especially given the trust and integrity upon which our organization is built,” she said. “While these actions did not occur during her time with the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley, our board believes strongly in transparency, accountability, and the continued confidence of the families and supporters we serve.”
The organization emphasized that its programming and advocacy efforts for individuals with autism and their families will continue without disruption.
According to court documents, Bacorn has already paid full restitution of $6,966. If she successfully completes a court-ordered theft intervention program, the charge could be dismissed and expunged from her record.