Two former leaders of Duval Teachers United (DTU) in Jacksonville, Florida, have been indicted on charges of fraud and conspiracy, accused of embezzling over $2 million from the union between 2013 and 2022.
Key Details:
- Indicted Individuals:
- Terrie Brady, 69, former president of DTU.
- Ruby George, 81, former executive vice president of DTU.
- Allegations:
- Both are accused of fraudulently claiming excessive unused vacation time and authorizing illegitimate bonus payments.
- They allegedly signed each other’s union checks to facilitate these payments.
- Brady faces additional charges of money laundering, with claims she used nearly $44,000 of the misappropriated funds to pay personal credit card debt.
- The indictment also states they submitted false documentation to union auditors to conceal their activities.
- Potential Penalties:
- If convicted, both could face significant prison sentences, with each count carrying substantial penalties.
Background:
- The indictment follows a September 2023 raid by FBI and IRS agents on DTU’s headquarters, during which financial documents and electronic records were seized.
- Brady and George resigned from their positions shortly after the raid, citing a desire to spend more time with their families.
- Prior to the investigation, Brady had publicly opposed financial transparency measures proposed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, asserting that the union was already transparent in its operations.
Union Profile:
- Duval Teachers United represents approximately 13,000 educators and school employees in the Jacksonville area.
- The union is affiliated with both the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA).
- In 2022, Brady received a lifetime achievement award from the Florida Education Association for her leadership.
- She also served as chair of the Florida Democratic Party in the 1990s.
Implications:
This case underscores the importance of financial oversight and transparency within labor unions, especially those managing substantial member dues. The allegations have prompted discussions about the need for stricter financial controls and accountability measures to prevent similar instances of fraud and embezzlement in the future.
As the legal proceedings continue, the education community and union members will be closely monitoring the outcomes and potential reforms that may arise from this case.