Prosecutors allege a former New York City Department of Education employee diverted more than $111,000 intended for student programs into her personal accounts over a six-year period.
A former New York City Department of Education paraprofessional who directed an after-school program at a Brooklyn elementary school has been indicted on allegations she stole approximately $111,000 from funds intended to benefit students and families.
Shalisha Jackson, 37, of Short Hills, New Jersey, was arraigned Monday in Brooklyn Supreme Court on multiple felony charges, including grand larceny, forgery, and criminal possession of a forged instrument, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Jackson was released without bail and is scheduled to return to court on August 12.
The indictment stems from an investigation into Jackson’s management of the after-school program at P.S. 146, also known as the Brooklyn New School, where prosecutors say she controlled the program’s bank account while serving as director between 2016 and 2024.
Alleged theft spanned more than six years
According to prosecutors, Jackson began working for the Department of Education in 2008 and later became director of the school’s after-school program.
Investigators allege that between June 2018 and October 2024, Jackson wrote 153 checks payable to herself from the program’s bank account. Those checks allegedly totaled approximately $77,000.
The investigation further determined that Jackson allegedly diverted additional money intended for the program by depositing checks and electronic payments into her personal accounts.
According to the indictment, she deposited roughly 104 checks and Zelle payments from parents and school vendors, totaling approximately $33,000, into her own bank account instead of the after-school program account.
Funds allegedly used for personal expenses
Prosecutors contend that money intended to support educational and enrichment programs for children was instead spent on personal expenses.
According to the investigation, Jackson allegedly used the funds for hotel stays, liquor store purchases, automobile finance payments, online shopping, and payments to a real estate company specializing in luxury properties.
Investigators also allege she deposited two checks belonging to Madiba Prep Middle School into her personal checking account.
Those checks included one for $714 dated June 9, 2022, and another for $320 dated June 11, 2022.
In total, prosecutors allege Jackson stole approximately $111,000.
Officials condemn alleged misuse of school funds
District Attorney Gonzalez said the allegations involve a prolonged abuse of trust involving money intended to benefit students.
“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.”
Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District Anastasia Coleman said school funds are intended to serve students and families.
“School funds are entrusted to support students, families, and educational programs — not to be misappropriated for personal benefit,” Coleman said. “As alleged, the defendant improperly diverted funds over a period of years that were intended to serve the school community.”
Charges and investigation
Jackson is charged with second-degree grand larceny, third-degree grand larceny, petit larceny, second-degree forgery, and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.
The case was investigated with assistance from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Investigations Division and the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District.
Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Jackson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
If convicted of the top charges, she could face significant prison time under New York law.
Key Points
• Shalisha Jackson, 37, of Short Hills, New Jersey, was indicted on theft and forgery charges.
• Prosecutors allege she stole approximately $111,000 from an after-school program at Brooklyn’s P.S. 146.
• Investigators say she wrote 153 checks to herself and deposited program payments into personal accounts.
• The alleged scheme occurred between 2018 and 2024 while she directed the school’s after-school program.
• Jackson was released without bail and is due back in court on August 12.