Coatesville teacher charged with stealing funds from teachers association
COATESVILLE, PA — A longtime teacher in the Coatesville Area School District has been charged with multiple felony theft offenses after investigators say she stole money from the Coatesville Area Teachers Association while serving as its Treasurer and Negotiations Chair.
On January 15, 2026, Kathleen Elicker, 61, of West Chester, was arrested and charged with Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds, Receiving Stolen Property, and Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition. Her bail was set at $50,000 unsecured.
According to the criminal complaint, Elicker misappropriated funds from the teachers association during the 2019–2020 through 2022–2023 school years. A financial review conducted by Chester County Detectives revealed that funds intended for the union were deposited into her personal accounts.
Elicker is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This Defendant used her position of trust in the Coatesville Area Teachers Association to take money meant for her fellow teachers. These charges are a critical first step towards holding her accountable.”
Key Points
• Kathleen Elicker, a Coatesville teacher, is charged with theft and misappropriating union funds
• Investigators say the alleged theft occurred while she served as CATA Treasurer and Negotiations Chair
• Bail was set at $50,000 unsecured; the investigation covered multiple school years
