Sheree Gibson, previously a parent leader and appointee of the Queens Borough President to the Panel for Educational Policy, is facing charges of siphoning off about $15,000 from the PTA group she led for three years.
Gibson, appointed to the Panel for Educational Policy by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, was taken into custody on Monday, October 16th.
She faces charges of grand larceny and the falsification of business records during her association with the District 29 Presidents’ Council, based on a complaint filed by the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Gibson allegedly wrote approximately 40 “reimbursement” checks for district expenses to Shari-Joi Nicholson, a Maryland resident, who claims she never worked for the council.
These checks were deposited into an account opened for Nicholson by Gibson’s foster parents when Nicholson was a minor.
The checks, summing up to $14,922.86, were purportedly for district-related expenses like transport, food aid, and office provisions.
However, discrepancies arose as the treasurer highlighted that the council “neither has an office nor furniture.”
Additionally, Gibson reportedly did not provide proof of transaction receipts to the council members. She also did not have the authority to manage the funds. Every council check necessitates dual signatures per the chancellor’s rules.
After these allegations, Gibson resigned from her position on the Panel for Educational Policy. However, during her arraignment, she pleaded not guilty.
“Sheree Gibson tendered her resignation from her position as an appointee to the Panel for Educational Policy, which the Borough President accepted upon learning of the allegations against her,” conveyed Richards’ representative, Chris Barca, who also confirmed that the search for Gibson’s replacement is in progress.
