What to Know
- Johnson was accused earlier this year of taking at least $2,500 from reportedly nine students as well as at least $500 from the school.
A criminal justice teacher at a high school along Florida’s Treasure Coast found themselves with a valuable lesson to explain after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from students and the school.
NBC affiliate WPTV-TV says Sharonda Johnson was arrested on charges that include grand theft and witness tampering for the incident that took place at Fort Pierce Central High School. The 47-year-old is currently being held on $157,500 bond.
According to the station, Johnson was accused earlier this year of taking at least $2,500 from reportedly nine students as well as at least $500 from the school. Johnson allegedly collected the money for a field trip but later gave students last minute excuses why they could not go.
“It was the class she really liked, so we decided she could go on the field trip,” said Haydee Nuno, who gave Johnson $400 for her sophomore daughter. “It wasn’t easy for us to pay $100 a month. It was a shock to know what the teacher did with the money.”
Johnson was placed on a “temporary duty assignment” by the St. Lucie County School District, according to a statement that adds the district has been working with law enforcement and parents during the investigation.
