A paraprofessional and director of an after-school program at two Brooklyn schools was indicted Monday on charges that she stole more than $111,000 over a six-year period.
Defendant Shalisha Jackson, 37, of Short Hills, N.J., was charged with second-degree grand larceny, third-degree grand larceny, petit larceny, second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Jackson allegedly began working for the New York City Department of Education in 2008 and served as the director of the after-school program at P.S. 146, also known as the Brooklyn New School, between 2016 and 2024. In that role, she was allegedly entrusted with control of the after-school program’s bank account, prosecutors said.
Jackson allegedly wrote 153 checks to herself from the after-school program account totaling approximately $77,000 between June 4, 2018 and October 9, 2024, the DA's Office said.
In addition, Jackson allegedly deposited approximately 104 checks and Zelle payments from parents and school vendors totaling approximately $33,000 that were intended for the after-school program into her personal bank account, according to Gonzalez.
Jackson allegedly used the funds for hotel stays, liquor store purchases, payments to a real estate company specializing in luxury properties, auto finance payments and online purchases, prosecutors said.
“School funds are entrusted to support students, families, and educational programs —not to be misappropriated for personal benefit," Special Commissioner of Investigation for the NYC School District Anastasia Coleman said in a statement.
The DA's Office also said Jackson allegedly deposited two checks belonging to Madiba Prep Middle School into her personal checking account, including a $714 check dated June 9, 2022 and a $320 check dated June 11, 2022.
“For more than six years, this defendant allegedly used her position of trust to systematically steal money meant to support the education and well-being of Brooklyn children," Gonzalez said. "We will continue to hold accountable those who opt to line their pockets with money meant to enrich our communities.”
The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 12.
