Crime & Safety
J.E.B. Stuart High School Administrator Charged with Embezzlement
Bethany Speed and Sonya Swansbroughallegedly allegedly embezzled more than $100,000 over the last three years, according to a news release from Fairfax County Police.
A J.E.B. Stuart High School administrative employee has been charged with embezzlement, according to Fairfax County Police. The school, which has a Falls Church mailing address, is located at 3301 Peace Valley Lane in Fairfax County.
The employee, Bethany Speed, along with Poe Middle School Principal Sonya Swansbrough were charged Monday with embezzlement and money laundering.
Fairfax County police believe Swansbrough, 46, of Woodbridge, and Bethany Speed, 38, of Burke, have embezzled more than $100,000 since May 2010.
Speed is Swansbrough's former finance technician, according to a message sent out to Poe parents by Cluster 3 Assistant Superintendent Douglas Tyson. The message further states that Swansbrough has been "temporarily relieved of her duties" and Poe Middle School Assistant Principal Colleen Noone will take over as principal for the time being.
The charges against the two women come about two months after FCPS asked Fairfax County police to look into "allegations involving falsifying time sheets for personal financial gain," in late September, according to a news release from the Fairfax County Police Department. The investigation was a joint effort between the FCPD Financial Crimes Unit detectives and FCPS human resources office.
Swansbrough's son, Brenton Rusnak, 20, of Radford, was also charged with receiving stolen property in connection to this case.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The full email from Tyson that was sent to parents reads:
“We regret to inform you about an unfortunate situation but we wanted the Poe Middle School Community to learn of this news first as you may be reading or hearing about this in the media over the next few days.This morning, Principal Sonya Swansbrough was charged by law enforcement in connection with financial impropriety with school funds. She has been temporarily relieved of her duties while an investigation is under way. Our current assistant principal, Colleen Noone will be the administrator in charge for the time being and we ask that you give her your full support during this difficult time.
Principal Swansbrough’s former finance technician, Beth Speed, is also facing similar charges. We are not at liberty to discuss in greater detail the specifics related to these charges as this remains an ongoing Fairfax County Police Department investigation. However, internal processes brought these issues to light which were then turned over to law enforcement for further investigation.
As hard as this situation is, we ask that our parents keep a positive focus for their children and their continued academic success. We as a school staff are committed to our mission to continue to provide the very best educational services for our students. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
