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CPS Principal Charged in Overtime Pay Scheme
A former Chicago Public Schools principal, Sarah Jackson Abedelal, 57, of Chicago, faces ten counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain overtime pay.
According to a federal indictment, Abedelal orchestrated the scheme while serving as Principal of Brennemann Elementary School on the North Side of Chicago from 2012 to 2019. The indictment alleges that Abedelal told certain school employees she would authorize overtime pay for hours they would not be required to work, and directed them to deliver the proceeds of the unearned overtime to Abedelal or another individual.
Abedelal allegedly told the employees that the money would be used to pay legitimate school expenses, when in fact, she intended to convert the money to her own personal use. The charges allege that Abedelal fraudulently obtained at least $200,000 in CPS money through the scheme.
The indictment states that Abedelal directed the school employees to withdraw the unearned overtime money in cash on the day the paychecks were deposited into their bank accounts. She would then meet with the employees individually in her office or classrooms to collect the cash from them.
To conceal and prevent detection of the scheme, Abedelal used the fraudulently obtained money to purchase money orders at a currency exchange and then pay her personal expenses, including the mortgage on her home.
Abedelal was arrested this morning and is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court today at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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