Middle School Principal, Employee Accused of Embezzling Thousands

Employees accused of falsifying time sheets, stealing as much as $100,000

Two Fairfax County Public Schools employees -- including a middle school principal -- are accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from the school district.

Authorities say the women may have cheated the school system out of more than $100,000.

Sonya Swansbrough, 46, principal of Poe Middle School Annandale, Va., and Bethany Speed, 38, an administrative employee at Jeb Stuart High School in Falls Church, were arrested and charged with embezzlement and money laundering Tuesday morning.

The women allegedly falsified timesheets for personal financial gain, beginning as early as May 2010, said Fairfax County Police.

Speed had previously worked for Swansbrough as a finance technician.

An investigation began after "internal processes brought these issues to light," wrote Assistant Superintendent Douglas Tyson in a message to Poe Middle School parents Tuesday.

Swansbrough has been temporarily relieved of her duties as the investigation continues, he said.

Swansbrough's 20-year-old son, Brenton Rusnak, is also facing charges. Authorities say he received stolen property in connection with the case.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call police at 1-866-411-TIPS.

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