Ex-Principal Stole $1.2 Million From Atlanta Schools

ATLANTA, GA — A former principal with the Fulton County school system has admitted to stealing more than $1.2 million from three schools in the Atlanta area, causing one of them to shut down because of the loss. Christopher Clemons, 38, pleaded guilty to 55 counts of theft and forgery in Fulton County Superior Court, the district attorney's office announced Wednesday. According to prosecutors, he used the money at strip clubs, to pay off two BMWs and for other personal purposes.

"I did it. I have no excuses. My ego got the best of me," Clemons said to Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox.

Cox sentenced Clemons to 20 years, with 10 to be served in prison and the rest on probation.

Clemons stole the money from two Fulton County schools — Latin College Preparatory School and Latin Grammar School — and one in the Atlanta Public Schools system, Latin Academy Charter School.

Kaseem Ladipo, the former board chairman of the charter school, told the court the school was forced to shut down after losing the money that Clemons stole.

"This came on the heels of a very challenging time for the Atlanta Public School System," he said.

With the stolen money, Clemons spent $50,000 at strip clubs, another $70,000 to pay off loans for two BMWs, wired more than $100,000 to his personal bank account and used $20,000 to settle a legal judgement with his ex-wife.

During his probation, Clemons will not be allowed to have any position that involves handling money. He also won't be allowed to work with children and can't be employed by a school or non-profit group. In addition, he must pay back $810,000 to the schools from which he stole.

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