Former teachers union president charged in theft pleads guilty.
Nov 16, 2007 - Claraliene Gordon, 66, the former head of the Camden Education Association, was indicted, charged with with stealing thousands of dollars from the teachers union and spending it on gambling. The indictment alleges that she used her u
nion-issued credit card in Atlantic City casinos at least 26 times during the six years she was union president.
The indictment is the second stemming from a sweeping state criminal probe launched in 2006 into alleged test-rigging and spending practices in the Camden school system.
In March, four former Camden school employees were charged with stealing $40,000 from the district and from parents.
Gordon, who was a high school math teacher in Camden for more than 30 years, retired last year. The union also owed the school district at least $200,000 in reimbursement for Gordon's salary and benefits while she was president and excused from teaching duties to handle union business. The union has paid about $100,000 so far, he said.
Nov 15 - From the Courier Post Online:
The questionable spending came to light in 2006, after the New Jersey Education Association requested an audit. The state subpoenaed financial records from Gordon's tenure in February.GUILTY PLEA March 25, 2008 - Gordon pleaded guilty to misapplication of entrusted property, a third-degree offense. The prosecution will recommend probation if Gordon makes full restitution. She will be sentenced May 16.
A review also found the CEA had failed to reimburse the city school district for Gordon's salary for several years. The union now is repaying a $280,000 debt to the district.
