School Principal Stole From Dead Delegate’s Campaign: Charges

SEVERNA PARK, MD — A Severna Park man who works as a Glen Burnie school principal is accused of using his position as treasurer to steal from a dead Baltimore County delegate's campaign fund, authorities say. State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt said Tuesday that Ronald Chesek, 59, has been charged in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County with one count of felony theft of more than $10,000 but less than $100,000.

Chesek, who lives in Severna Park, had served as treasurer for the Friends of Joseph J. Minnick since February 16, 1993. Delegate Minnick, who served in Baltimore County’s 6th District, died in October 2015. Chesek served as treasurer for the “Friends of Joseph J. Minnick” campaign finance committee.

Prosecutors said in a press release that between July 9, 2013, and Sept. 17, 2017, Chesek used campaign money for his personal use and benefit. The charging document alleges that, as the duly appointed treasurer for the campaign finance committee, Chesek wrote numerous checks payable to himself from the Friends of Joseph J. Minnick’s campaign bank account. The alleged theft amount totaled about $13,045.

Minnick represented District 6, which includes Dundalk, Sparrow's Point and Essex.

According to the website of Marley Glen Special School, Chesek is the principal, and was formerly a teacher. He’s been with the school system since 1986 and the principal of the school since 2009, Anne Arundel County Public Schools spokesman Bob Mosier told the Capital newspaper. Chesek will be reassigned to a job where he will not have access to children or public money, Mosier said.

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt said in a news release: “Campaign finance officers certainly understand that campaign funds may not be converted to their personal use. Misuse or theft of campaign funds simply cannot be tolerated."

If convicted, Chesek faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 if he is convicted.

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