News

Actions

Michigan teacher allegedly stole $30K from homecoming dance sales

Posted
and last updated

A Spanish teacher in Michigan has been charged for allegedly stealing from the school's homecoming dance and using that money at the casino.

According to Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, Lydia Johnson, 29, is charged with one count of embezzlement from a non-profit organization which could get her 10 years in prison.

Johnson was Macomb Dakota High School's student activity coordinator from July 1, 2016 until her recent removal and was responsible for all finds.

School officials say she oversaw ticket sales for the school's homecoming dance last year, which should have taken in nearly $30,000 based on attendance. She only deposited $11,000 into the school's account.

When they searched her classroom, they found several homecoming cash deposit envelopes torn open and empty. They also found several casino receipts next to the empty envelopes. Her bank records also show cash deposits in excess of her salary.

She also oversaw ticket sales and receipts for a trip to Camp Tamarack for 60 parents and students. Prosecutors say she should have collected and deposited nearly $13,000 but only deposited $500.

Camp employees tried to collect but couldn't, so they called school officials.

After checking MGM records, they found Johnson spent more than $90,000 in 2016 playing penny slots. 

She is expected to be arraigned on the charges Thursday.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Monday

03/24/2025

Sunny

85° / 57°

0%

Tuesday

03/25/2025

Mostly Sunny

91° / 60°

3%

Wednesday

03/26/2025

Sunny

85° / 57°

1%

Thursday

03/27/2025

AM Clouds/PM Sun

76° / 53°

4%

Friday

03/28/2025

Partly Cloudy

68° / 48°

12%

Saturday

03/29/2025

Partly Cloudy

68° / 50°

8%

Sunday

03/30/2025

Mostly Cloudy

69° / 54°

10%

Monday

03/31/2025

Mostly Cloudy

70° / 52°

19%