Say What Now? Ex-Teacher Accused of Stealing $31,500 from Students and Blowing It All at a Casino

A former Spanish teacher in Detroit has been accused of stealing $31,500 from students and gambling it away at a casino.

via NYDN:

Lydia Johnson, formerly of Dakota High School, was charged with embezzling from a non-profit organization after she allegedly stole thousands of dollars’ worth of school funds, The Detroit News reported.

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said ticket sales for a homecoming dance totaled almost $30,000 — but Johnson had only deposited $11,000 of the funds into a school bank account.

She’s also accused of skimming $500 of the $13,000 in funds that were raised for a student trip.

Johnson, 29, served as student activity coordinator at the school, overseeing all student funds, until her dismissal from the school, the prosecutor said.

Dakota High School Principal Paul Sibley informed parents on Thursday that an employee had been placed on administrative leave on May 3 because of a crime involving the school’s activity fund.

Investigators found that Johnson spent more than $90,000 at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino in 2016. They also discovered several cash deposits in her classroom.

Johnson was arraigned Thursday, and her bond was set at $10,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 5. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Well, that was dumb.