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Former Phoenixville School District Official Embezzled More Than $90K In Funds, Feds Say

A former Phoenixville Area School District official has been charged with one count of embezzlement for misappropriating more than $90,000 in school funds, federal authorities said.

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Christopher Gehris, 46, was the Director of Finance and business manager of the Phoenixville Area School District from November 2013 until July 2019, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Gehris stole money from school district bank accounts, made unauthorized payments to himself, and forged receipts, investigators said.

He ended up pocketing more than $90,000 in federal funds designated for student sporting events, field trips, summer programs, and other school events, authorities said.

“The defendant allegedly stole nearly $100,000 from a public school district, money which was specifically allocated for student activities meant to enhance their educational experience,” U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said.

“Criminals that embezzle public money from schools are ripping off hundreds of students while also ripping off all taxpayers who fund them.”

If convicted, Gehris faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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