Michigan Teacher Allegedly Embezzled $31,000 in School Funds to Gamble at the Casino

A former Michigan high school Spanish teacher is accused of embezzling more than $30,000 in school funds to try her luck at the casino.

Lydia Christine Johnson, 29, was arrested and charged with “embezzling from a non-profit organization” Thursday for allegedly stealing $31,500 from Dakota High School in Macomb Township, the Detroit News reported.

Johnson is accused of taking $19,000 from Dakota High School’s homecoming account and $12,500 from a fund meant for a school trip to Camp Tamarack.

The teacher was the school’s student activity coordinator from July 2016 to May 2017, when officials placed her on administrative leave, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

She had been in charge of all the funds for student events.

The prosecutor’s office told WDIV that Johnson facilitated ticket sales for Dakota High’s homecoming dance. The funds should have totaled $30,000 but Johnson only deposited $11,000 into “the school’s homecoming account.”

“A search of Johnson’s classroom revealed several homecoming cash deposit envelopes that were torn open but empty,” the office said in a statement. “Johnson’s bank records also show 2016 cash deposits far in excess of her salary.”

The office added that she only deposited $500 into the fund for the 60-person trip to Camp Tamarack when she should have deposited $13,000 worth in fees collected from students and parents.

“This teacher held a position of trust within the high school,” said Prosecutor Eric Smith. “She repaid that trust by feeding student funds into a slot machine.”

The teacher reportedly spent the school funds on penny slots at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit. Casino records show that she spent more than $90,000 on slot machines in 2016.

Prosecutors say that authorities found casino receipts near homecoming envelopes.

Chippewa Valley Schools Superintendent Ron Roberts said the school is fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation.

“We will do whatever it takes to ensure that our board policies are followed and that our employees are acting in the best interest of our school community,” Roberts said in a statement.

Dakota High School principal Paul Sibley sent a letter to parents notifying them of the alleged embezzlement.

Fox News reports that Johnson could face up to ten years in prison if convicted. She is being held in prison on $10,000 bond and is due back in court October 5.