In a case involving alleged misconduct at the East-West School of International Studies, former staff member Abi Corbin has been charged with multiple offenses. The Queens District Attorney announced that Corbin was arraigned on indictment charges of grand larceny and identity theft, accused of running a plan that took over $400,000 from the school in Flushing.
Authorities say she exploited her position, which involved handling work orders and purchases, to benefit her own private business. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated in a press release, “Instead of purchasing necessary educational materials to help students thrive, the defendant is accused of stealing school funds for her own private cheerleading company.” Katz added, “Theft of public funds intended for our students is a serious breach of trust.”
Corbin is charged with using stolen login credentials and forged signatures to authorize purchase orders intended for educational materials. The funds were then redirected to purchase merchandise for Queens Campus Cheer, as reported by the Queens District Attorney's Office.
Anastasia Coleman, Special Commissioner of Investigation for the NYC School District, described Corbin’s actions as a serious abuse of her official position and a violation of public trust. Coleman also acknowledged the Department of Education staff for their vigilance in identifying and reporting the misconduct. If convicted, Corbin could face up to 15 years in prison.
The misconduct was discovered after cheerleading merchandise was delivered to a school without a cheerleading team, leading to an investigation. Corbin surrendered earlier this month and is scheduled to appear in court again on December 2. The case is being prosecuted with assistance from the DA’s Public Corruption Bureau, following an initial investigation by the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District.
