Watch CBS News

DPS Teacher Suspended For Allegedly Trying to Pawn School Computer

The Detroit Public School District has suspended a teacher at Durfee School for allegedly attempting to sell a district-owned computer to a Detroit pawn shop.  

Karen Drysdale-Oriucci , a DPS teacher since 1994, was suspended with pay, effective immediately, pending a disciplinary hearing. The district's Office of the Inspector General investigation states that the teacher went to American Jewelry and Loan on Wednesday and attempted to pawn a netbook computer which was issued to her 12 days ago, on December 17.

The store refused to pay the teacher for the netbook, instead confiscating the device and contacting the school district.  New district netbook devices are protected by state-of-the-art security software which is capable of tracking the device and remotely disabling it, and school buildings have instituted additional anti-theft measures in conjunction with the Detroit Public Schools Police Department.

The computers have also been engraved with an image of the DPS  "I'm In" logo on the cover.

DPS Emergency Financial Manager Robert  Bobb praised the owners of American Jewelry and Loan and stated, "The dual threat of being caught by the latest high tech security, by law-abiding and cooperating merchants, or both, should send the clearest signal yet that no one is going to illegally profit at the expense of our schools and our students."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.