A trusted New York City school secretary admitted to stealing nearly $150,000 from an elementary school and will avoid jail despite a years-long scheme that siphoned resources away from children, some as young as five.

Michele Cenci, 55, pleaded guilty to grand larceny for embezzling $145,000 over seven years from PS 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park, but secured a controversial sentence of five years’ probation and restitution payments instead of incarceration, as the Daily Mail reports.

Cenci, a Staten Island resident, had long served as the school secretary at PS 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park, home to just under 400 students, one-third of whom have disabilities. With access to school finances, including the checkbook and purchasing system, Cenci was in a prime position of trust -- and she used it to enrich herself at the school’s expense.

The scheme began to unravel in early 2024. In January, she was arraigned on an 18-count indictment. Authorities charged her with multiple financial crimes, including two counts of grand larceny, record tampering, forgery, and falsifying business records.

Investigators found that Cenci had written 127 checks -- totaling close to $89,000 -- into bank accounts belonging to herself and family members. She disguised the fraud by labeling checks as legitimate vendor payments, employee reimbursements, and fake copies of real expenses related to school operations.

Long-term deception disguised to appear routine

In addition to writing checks, Cenci misused the school’s purchasing system 257 times to drain another $56,000 from the budget. Prosecutors say she crafted those accounting tricks over seven years and continued undetected until officials uncovered red flags in financial records.

Instead of directing school funds to where they were desperately needed—like classroom books, instructional supplies, and support for students -- Cenci used the money to increase her lifestyle, supplementing her already substantial $84,950 city salary.

District Attorney Michael McMahon voiced his frustration over the judge’s leniency. He told the New York Post that while the DA’s office pushed for a jail sentence, the court extended a plea offer that prioritized financial restitution through probation.

Judge’s decision raises concerns

Judge Lisa Gray, presiding over the case in the State Supreme Court, accepted Cenci’s plea and ordered her to pay $46,000 immediately. She must then pay $1,500 every month during the five-year probation period until the remaining balance is returned to the Department of Education.

McMahon condemned the crime as one that “robbed students and staff of funds meant to support a high-quality education,” emphasizing that schools should be sanctuaries of integrity -- not places vulnerable to financial exploitation from insiders.

Anastasia Coleman, the Special Commissioner of Investigation for NYC schools, echoed his alarm, describing the crime as a betrayal of community trust. “Instead,” Coleman said, “she was lining her own pockets.”

Crime leaves school community reeling

PS 21 serves one of Staten Island’s more vulnerable school populations, with a high number of students requiring special education services. The stolen funds could have been used to provide essential resources, including accessible learning tools, teaching support, and improved classroom facilities.

McMahon stressed that Staten Islanders working in education hold a great duty to children and families. “When the trust we place in them is broken,” he said, “there must be serious consequences.”

Despite the conviction, Cenci has retired from her role with the Department of Education. Under the terms of the plea deal, she won’t serve any jail time as long as she adheres to the financial repayment schedule.

Lessons to learn

1. Financial oversight is critical: This case highlights the importance of routine budget reviews and internal audits in schools to detect any irregularities. School administrators should develop safeguards and ensure expenditures are properly monitored.

2. Position of trust doesn't mean immunity: Even long-tenured staff members can betray responsibilities. It is crucial to foster a culture of accountability in educational environments so there are checks and balances for everyone, regardless of tenure or title.

3. Victims should never be blamed: While preventive measures matter, crime can happen even in well-managed institutions. The blame lies solely with the perpetrator. Communities must remain vigilant but also support victims -- especially when funds meant for vulnerable students are stolen.

Why this story matters

This case serves as a disturbing example of how easily public school funds can be misused without proper financial oversight. It also raises challenging questions about the court system’s decisions when prosecuting white-collar crimes.

Additionally, the story brings attention to the vulnerabilities in school finance systems and reminds us of the real-world consequences of financial misconduct on children’s education.

It underscores the need for reform in how crimes against public institutions are penalized—and the importance of upholding community trust in educational leadership.