JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two former leaders of Duval Teachers United will spend time in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing millions of dollars from the teachers union over more than a decade.
Former DTU President Teresa “Terrie” Brady was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Former Vice President Ruby George was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal custody, followed by six months of home confinement.
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Prosecutors said Brady and George worked together to embezzle about $2.6 million from the union representing Duval County teachers. Both women pleaded guilty.
Brady, 70, left federal court facing what prosecutors described as punishment for a “decade of deceit and deception.” Federal records show she has already paid more than $1.3 million to the government. George has paid about $160,000.
Some News4JAX viewers criticized the sentences as too lenient. One viewer wrote that the theft caused significant harm to the school system and students and questioned why Brady received just over two years in prison.
Former federal prosecutor Curtis Fallgatter said the sentences fall within typical guidelines for white-collar crimes.
“It’s a white-collar case. Nobody robbed a bank. It wasn’t a violent crime,” Fallgatter said. “It’s typical for a judge to consider potential departures, particularly when restitution has been paid.”
Fallgatter said Brady’s acceptance of responsibility and partial repayment factored into the sentence. He also noted the defendants’ ages and health concerns played a role.
“You don’t want this to be a death sentence,” he said. “There are concerns about health care and existing health issues.”
The new president of Duval Teachers United said the scandal has had lasting effects on the union’s reputation.
“I don’t think we’ll probably come back from this for a very, very long time,” said Tammy Brooks-Evans. “All we can do is continue to do the right thing for our members, be transparent and provide the support they need.”
Brooks-Evans said the union has implemented new safeguards to prevent future financial misconduct, including requiring dual signatures on checks, providing monthly financial reports to leadership and building representatives, and publishing reports for all members.
Brady and George were ordered to pay a combined $2.6 million in restitution to the teachers’ union as part of their sentences. It remains unclear when the money already paid to the federal government will be returned to Duval Teachers United.