A former New York City Department of Education employee has been indicted on charges of stealing more than $111,000 from an after-school program at a Brooklyn elementary school over a six-year period, according to prosecutors.Â
Shalisha Jackson, 37, of Short Hills, New Jersey, was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court on multiple felony charges, including grand larceny, forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument. She pleaded not guilty and was released without bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 12.
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Prosecutors allege that Jackson, who worked as a paraprofessional and served as director of the after-school program at P.S. 146 – Brooklyn New School in Cobble Hill from 2016 to 2024, systematically diverted money intended for student programs into her personal accounts.
According to the investigation, Jackson allegedly wrote 153 checks to herself totaling approximately $77,000 between 2018 and 2024. Authorities also claim she deposited more than 100 checks and Zelle payments, worth roughly $33,000, from parents and school vendors into her personal bank account instead of the program’s account. In addition, she allegedly deposited two checks belonging to another school, bringing the total amount stolen to about $111,000.
Investigators allege the funds were spent on personal expenses, including hotel stays, liquor store purchases, online shopping, auto loan payments and transactions with a luxury real estate company.
In announcing the indictment, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said the defendant allegedly abused a position of trust by diverting money meant to benefit Brooklyn students.
Special Commissioner of Investigation Anastasia Coleman said school funds are intended to support students and families, not for personal gain, adding that the investigation underscores the importance of protecting public resources.
The charges are allegations, and Jackson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
