School Employee Charged with Theft of Funds from Langston Hughes Academy Charter School

February 1, 2010 - NEW ORLEANS, LA—KELLY A. THOMPSON, age 39, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a Bill of Information for Theft of Federal Funds from Langston Hughes Academy Charter School announced United States Attorney Jim Letten.

According to the Bill, THOMPSON was employed at Langston Hughes Academy Charter School as the Business and Human Resources Manager/Financial Manager beginning approximately July 1, 2008 until approximately November 6, 2009. It is alleged the defendant made cash withdrawals while acting in her capacity as Business and Human Resources Manager/Financial Manager, and then manipulated the school’s record in order to conceal the thefts. The alleged amount of loss to Langston Hughes Academy Charter School is approximately $660,000.

United States Attorney Letten reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

In convicted, THOMPSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Salvador Perricone and James R. Mann.