Schools

Former Elizabeth School Board President Marie Munn Convicted For Stealing From Free Lunch Program

Former Elizabeth School Board President Marie Munn was convicted of theft by deception and tampering with public records after filling false applications that would allow her two children to be eligible for the district's free lunch program.

According to a press release from the New Jersey Attorney General's office, Munn could receive up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 when she is sentenced on May 2.

“It is shameful that a school board president in an Abbott district would steal from a program designed to help disadvantaged schoolchildren,” said Acting Attorney General Hoffman in the press release. “This verdict sends a very powerful message that officials who corruptly turn public service into self service will be held accountable for their actions.”

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During an investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau it was found that Munn's children received $2,649 worth of unentitled benefits over the course of five consecutive school years – even though her and her husband's annual income exceeded the program's federal limit by at least $94,000 over those five years.

Inquiries about Munn's participation in the program came after an article released by the Star-Ledger brought awareness to the issue. 

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