Ex-union chief for Indianapolis Public Schools teachers pleads guilty to embezzlement

The former head of the Indianapolis Public Schools teachers union pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $100,000, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.

Rhondalyn Cornett wrote checks from the union’s bank account and used the union’s debit card for personal expenses and cash withdrawals, the U.S. attorney’s office said, stealing more than $100,000.

Cornett, 54, resigned from the teachers union in November when her alleged mishandling of funds came to light.

Cornett, who led Indianapolis Education Association for five years, faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Cornett’s attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals, like Cornett, who abuse their positions of public trust,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Josh Minkler in the news release. “Teachers depend on the union dues they’ve paid from their paychecks in order for the union to represent their best interests.”

Read more: Rocked by scandal, a weakened Indianapolis Public Schools teachers union faces an uncertain future