A Covington woman is facing hundreds of counts after a local private school dug into its books and says it uncovered tens of thousands of dollars in questionable spending and missing cash. The financial red flags started popping up after the employee left in March, school officials told police, triggering an internal review that soon turned into a criminal investigation and an arrest this week.
Police say credit card, cash losses top $100K
According to WSB‑TV, Covington police allege the former employee used the school's credit card for personal spending going back to May 5, 2024. Investigators told the station they identified more than $57,500 in suspicious card transactions and about $44,400 in missing cash.
Arrest warrants issued on July 10 charge the woman with 407 counts of unauthorized use of a financial transaction, according to the station. WSB‑TV reports that investigators listed alleged spending on DoorDash deliveries, Walmart and Chick‑fil‑A orders, a Prime Video subscription, baby clothes and even a pressure washer.
Admissions director listed on school website
On Peachtree Academy's staff page, Nicole Baker is listed as an admissions director. The private school operates campuses in Covington and Conyers and serves students from pre‑K through 12th grade, according to its website.
The school notes that its business office and admissions team handle billing and tuition records, which are the same kinds of documents police say were at the center of the internal review. Peachtree Academy's website lists Baker's title and confirms the two campus locations.
School reports missing records after employee quits
Police say a school representative told investigators that "Baker would sometimes not charge parents that she favored or would clean out other families' bank accounts," according to WSB‑TV.
The station also reports that staff told officers Baker took notebooks, cash‑receipt books and other school property with her when she quit in March, which school officials said made it harder to fully track the missing money. Officers arrested her at her home on Wednesday on the warrants issued July 10, WSB‑TV reported.
Why small organizations are vulnerable
Fraud specialists say schemes involving company cards and loose bookkeeping are a classic problem for smaller organizations where one person handles a lot of the money and the paperwork. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners notes that internal tips and reports are among the most common ways occupational fraud gets uncovered, and that stronger controls, separating financial duties and regular account reconciliations can help cut down the risk. According to ACFE, whistleblower tips are a frequent starting point when these kinds of cases come to light.
What comes next in Newton County
With the arrest carried out, prosecutors will decide whether to pursue formal charges and when to bring the case to a Newton County courtroom. Any indictments, court filings and hearing dates will become part of the public record once prosecutors move ahead.
