A New York state teacher has been accused of embezzling more than $10,000 from a fund to pay for the school’s graduation ceremonies in 2015. As is often the case when people are charged with a white-collar crime, the defendant’s career as an educator could be in jeopardy.
The woman is a special education teacher and was serving as the advisor for her school’s class of 2015. Part of that job involved managing the money collected by the class through fundraising, for use in their graduation ceremony next year.
Police say that the accused teacher embezzled as much as $13,700 from the fund. About $3,700 has reportedly been repaid. Meanwhile, the teacher has been arrested on charges of first-degree falsifying business records, third-degree grand larceny, and petit larceny. The accusations are based in large part on an independent audit.
She has also been put on paid suspension until the case is resolved. If she is found guilty, it is highly likely that she will lose her job, and may not be able to find a teaching position in the future.
People who are charged with a white-collar crime, such as embezzlement, can face serious repercussions that may affect their freedom and their ability to work. A defense attorney can help you fight the charges. Depending on the circumstances, going to trial to clear your name may be the best option. Other times, an attorney can help get the charges reduced, reducing the potential penalties.
The accused woman has taught in the school district since 1998.