Principal Stole Money From Burlington Co. School: Police

EVESHAM, NJ — An elementary school principal stole hundreds of dollars from the school's main office, authorities said.

Colleen Schroeder, the principal of Helen L. Beeler Elementary School in Evesham, was charged Friday with third-degree theft.

In late February, the Evesham Township School District informed police of a possible theft. More than $700 in currency was stolen from the school's main office, police said.

Following an investigation, Schroeder was arrested without incident and released on a summons, pending an initial court appearance.

Schroeder, 46, will remain on leave during the pending criminal matter, according to school officials. Evesham Superintendent Justin Smith issued the following statement:

"The Evesham Township Board of Education is aware that Colleen Schroeder, the Beeler Elementary School Principal was arrested and charged with Theft. The District has been in contact with the Evesham Police Department and fully intends to cooperate with the Police Department. Ms. Schroeder is currently on an unrelated leave. The District takes an accusation of Theft seriously, and Ms. Schroder will remain on leave pending the adjudication of this matter. Due to the pending criminal charges, the Board is not able to comment further at the time. Please be reminded that all are presumed innocent until proven guilty."

Schoeder has a salary of $148,098 and has worked in the public sector since at least 1999, according to state pension records.