Trending
LIBERTY -- An E.J. Blott Elementary School kindergarten teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave and is facing theft charges.
Justina Hafely, 38, of Girard, was dismissed Thursday and taken out of school. School officials would not comment on the matter since it is under investigation, but did confirm Hafely was placed on paid leave.
Interim police Chief Toby Meloro said Thursday the matter involves "theft from within the schools" but declined to release specifics, saying information is being compiled for evidence.
Girard Municipal Court records show Hafely pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor theft charge. She is scheduled back in Girard Municipal Court 10 a.m. Jan. 9.
Tribune Chronicle news partner WKBN 27 reported police began investigating Hafely Nov. 2 because of three missing Chromebooks, student lunch money not turned over to the office and misplacement of money supposed to be for equipment for the seventh- and eighth-grade cheerleading squad she coached.