Former Detroit School Principal Charged With Taking Bribes

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A woman who served as principal at two struggling Detroit schools has been charged with taking bribes to hire a company to perform tutoring services.

An indictment unsealed Thursday accuses Kenyetta Wilbourn-Snapp, who was principal at Denby and Mumford high schools. of receiving nearly $60,000.

In October, Wilbourn-Snapp publicly acknowledged the investigation and said she planned to negotiate a plea deal with federal prosecutors. She's charged with conspiracy and other crimes.

The indictment also charges the owner of the tutoring service and a third person accused of passing the cash to Wilbourn-Snapp.

Denby and Mumford schools are part of the Education Achievement Authority, a special district created by the state to improve academic performance in certain schools.

"It is incredibly disheartening when school officials and vendors steal money that was intended to educate students, as these charges allege," said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, in a statement. "We appreciate the full cooperation of the EAA in this matter."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Gelios added, "There can be no tolerance for this abuse of authority. Entrusted by the community to facilitate educational excellence in Detroit's schools, those indicted betrayed that trust."

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