June 23, 2015: Former Western High School Principal Pleads Guilty To Felony Theft From Student Activity Fund

June 23, 2015

For Immediate Release

FORMER WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY THEFT FROM STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt announced today that former Western High School Principal Alisha Trusty, 38, pleaded guilty in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City to felony theft before the Honorable Melissa Phinn. The total amount of the theft was $53,912.94.  Sentencing has been set for October 6, 2015.

The Office of Legal Counsel for the Baltimore City Public Schools referred this matter to the State Prosecutor’s Office after internal auditors discovered irregularities in the use of student activity fund by Ms. Trusty.  According to the statement of facts in support of the guilty plea presented to the Court, between February of 2011 and January of 2014, Ms. Trusty used the Western High School Student Activity Fund account debit card and checks on numerous occasions to purchase personal items and pay personal bills to include personal legal fees and her BGE bill.  Full details are contained in the statement of facts.

Judge Phinn accepted the plea of guilty and set disposition for October 6, 2015.

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt stated: “Public School principals are trusted and relied on by the school system, students and parents to always act in the best interests of their students. Betrayal of that trust by a principal who steals student activity funds is a particularly reprehensible offense that cannot be tolerated”.