Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of the former head of the Broward Teachers Union accused of misappropriating roughly $35,000 in teachers union funds.
Former teachers union president Pat Santeramo faces criminal charges and federal mail fraud charges connected with an $80,000 annual payment that went from the school board to the teachers union. The money was to be used for training and for locating guest speakers, and Santeramo was to write the board telling it how the money was used.
Prosecutors, however, allege that Santeramo directed the funds into his own pocket, seeking to fradulently obtain money from the School Board.
"Omitted that payments were made to him and at least one other employee, and he misappropriated in excess of $35,000," the indictment reads.
Santeramo's attorney Larry Davis maintains that his client did not commit any crime, and that Santeramo is looking forward to his day in court.
Davis said at all times the books were open for the school board to see where the money was going, the unions auditors examined the paperwork and the program did so well, it served as a model for the entire state.
Santeramo headed home after prosecutors agreed he was no flight risk.
If Santeramo is convicted, the government wants the money taken through the alleged mail fraud returned, and if it can't be located, he could have to give up other property. Each one of these mail fraud counts carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.
Santeramo is scheduled in court on the state charges filed against him in October.
