Former School Employee Charged with Embezzling $415,000

A former employee of a public high school has been accused of stealing $415,000 in taxpayer funds intended for students, allegedly to support a private cheerleading business, as reported by Queens prosecutors on Thursday.

Abi Corbin, age 53, served as a community associate at the East West School of International Studies (PS281) in Flushing from July 2021 until July 2024, during which the alleged fraud took place.

The prosecutors stated that part of Corbin’s responsibilities involved handling business orders for school supplies, despite the fact that the school did not have a cheerleading team.

Instead of purchasing supplies for the school, Corbin reportedly used the principal’s login and signature to obtain merchandise for her business, Queen’s Campus Cheer.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz claimed in a statement, “The defendant is accused of misappropriating student funds for her own cheerleading business instead of acquiring the educational materials that would benefit the students.”

Katz emphasized, “The theft of public funds meant for students is a serious betrayal of trust. My office will ensure that those who undermine our public education system are held accountable.”

The situation unraveled on July 31, 2024, when the principal discovered that a shipment of cheerleading supplies had arrived at the Flushing campus. This raised alarms since there was no cheerleading team at the school and Corbin’s enterprise had no affiliation with the city school system, according to the prosecutors.

The school district’s Office of Special Investigations initiated a probe, leading to Corbin turning herself in on Thursday, facing charges of grand larceny and theft.

She has been released without bail and is scheduled for a retrial on December 2.

Anastasia Coleman, chair of the school’s task force, remarked, “As alleged, Abi Corbin’s actions reflect a blatant misuse of her public position and a severe breach of public trust.” She added, “The substantial sum that was redirected to her cheerleading business represents crucial taxpayer money that should have gone towards the education and welfare of students.”

Corbin’s attorney, Joseph Amsel, stated that his client has pleaded not guilty and is prepared to defend herself as the case unfolds.

If found guilty, Corbin could face a prison sentence ranging from five to 15 years.