From Left Field

Linda Schrenko, the fashion-conscious former Georgia school superintendent, smiled for the television cameras while wearing a dramatic camel-colored coat with fur-looking collar and cuffs when she showed up Monday morning to surrender to authorities.

Two hours later, Schrenko appeared somber as she was led before a judge in handcuffs to face charges of stealing $614,000 in federal education funds, much of it allegedly diverted to her failed campaign for governor — and $9,300 for a face-lift.

Schrenko pleaded innocent and was released on $40,000 bond. She was also ordered to submit to drug tests after she disclosed that she takes a variety of prescription medications for neck and back pain from an auto accident more than a decade ago.

Schrenko declined to comment on the charges as she made her way through a pack of reporters and cameramen in the federal courthouse parking lot. Inside, she was fingerprinted, photographed and required to wait in a small holding cell before making her initial court appearance.

Schrenko, 54, is charged in an 18-count federal indictment, along with her former chief deputy, Merle Temple Jr., 56, of Evans, and Alpharetta computer consultant A. Stephan Botes, 47.

Temple and Botes also pleaded innocent Monday. Temple, who also was led into court in handcuffs, was released on $40,000 bond. Botes was arrested earlier this month and released on bond last week.

In 1994, Schrenko, a former teacher, became the first woman to win statewide elected office in Georgia and the first Republican to run the state's education agency. She was re-elected in 1998 and was considered a leading candidate for governor in 2002.

The federal indictment accuses Schrenko, Temple and Botes of working a scheme to steal federal education funds and secretly funnel about half the money to Schrenko's race for governor, which she lost in the Republican primary. The government accuses Schrenko of using $9,300 of the money to pay for cosmetic surgery.

Schrenko's attorney, Pete Theodocion of Augusta, said after the hearing Monday that he regrets so much attention has been paid to "a face-lift," which Schrenko had around the time of the 2002 elections.

As for Schrenko's wardrobe for her court appearance, Theodocion said the cloth coat probably cost no more than $150 and that his client "didn't come here wearing gold or diamonds and is not a person who's rolling around in money." The collar and cuffs were not fur, he said.

"We're planning on going to trial and counting on her being found not guilty," the lawyer said.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Feldman asked Schrenko to describe her level of education. She replied that she had completed a six-year postgraduate program and had obtained a "leadership certificate," which allows her to be a school administrator.

Upon hearing that, the judge said there should be no question about Schrenko's ability to read, write and understand the English language, a common question defendants are asked to make sure they understand the charges against them.

"Hope not," replied Schrenko, who championed phonics-based reading programs as state school superintendent.

Feldman ordered Schrenko to submit to drug tests after he was handed a list of the prescription medications she is taking. "You're taking some strong medication, as you well know," the judge said.

He also ordered Schrenko to turn over a firearm she owns to her daughter, who lives in Evans.

As the hearing adjourned, a deputy marshal walked up to Schrenko, put the handcuffs back on her and took her to the marshal's office, where she was later released.

Schrenko, who lives in the Augusta suburb of Martinez, was driven to Monday's court hearing by a family friend. Theodocion said Schrenko lost her driver's license after twice losing consciousness while driving earlier this year. No one was injured in the incidents, the lawyer said, adding they were caused by a blood condition that requires prescription medication.