DOVER — After pleading guilty to defrauding a dozen friends and neighbors, a former school official will serve at least 18 months in prison and must pay about $278,000 in restitution.

While the case is tied to other victims, Nickolas Skaltsis, 62, of 6 Erik Drive, waived the indictment process and pleaded guilty to three counts of theft by deception and one count of theft by misappropriation of property.

Dover resident Gary Green, who was taken in by Skaltsis, said the thefts were committed by a man who built up trust within the community.