BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) – A former New York Department of Education employee is accused of stealing thousands of dollars intended for children in a Brooklyn after-school program, according to officials.
The employee, identified as 37-year-old Shalisha Jackson of Short Hills, New Jersey, allegedly used the funds to buy a variety of items, including liquor and personal expenses, according to court documents.
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Over a six-year period, Jackson allegedly stole more than $110,000 from a Cobble Hill elementary school. She faces multiple grand larceny and forgery charges, according to court documents.
Between June 2018 and October 2024, Jackson allegedly wrote 153 checks from the after-school program’s payable account to herself, totaling approximately $77,000. She also allegedly deposited checks and Zelle payments totaling $33,000 from parents and school vendors into her account, according to authorities.
These funds were intended for children in the after-school program; instead, the money went into Jackson’s personal bank account.
According to the Special Commission of Investigation for the NYC School District, Jackson allegedly used the funds meant for school-aged children for hotel stays, liquor, and payments to a real estate company that specialized in luxury properties.
Jackson was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 12.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.