Detroit High School Principal, Nonprofit Leader Accused Of Stealing $100K Intended For At-Risk Kids
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Prosecutors say a Detroit high school principal and a nonprofit group leader conspired to steal more than $100,000 in funds designed to help at-risk students.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Monday announced charges against Western International High School Principal Rudolfo Diaz and Cecilia Zavala, chief operating officer of Esperanza Detroit.
Worthy said Zavala, 35, embezzled more than $100,000 from Esperanza Detroit for personal use in 2001-2014, using the organization's credit and debit cards without authorization to pay for restaurants, personal vacations at expensive hotels, jewelry and a car.
Prosecutors said Diaz, also 35, engaged in a conspiracy with Zavala that allowed him to pocket$10,000 for consulting services he didn't perform.
Worthy said a Detroit Public Schools auditor discovered irregularities last year, and an Esperanza Detroit member contacted police.
"The allegations in this case reveal a complete disservice to and disregard for the students and the community as a whole," Worthy said, in a statement.
The Associated Press couldn't reach the defendants for comment Monday. Diaz has no phone listing, and no one answered a listing for Zavala.
Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Darnell Earley said the district will continue to work with prosecutors regarding this matter.
An arraignment for both suspects was scheduled for the Tuesday morning in Detroit's 36th District Court.
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