Union Leader Embezzled More Than $90,000: Nassau DA

The former president of the Hempstead Schools Civil Service Association (HSCSA) was arrested on Friday after authorities say she stole more than $90,000 from the union's bank account.

Annette Greer, 54, of Hempstead was charged with third-degree grand larceny. She was conditionally released to probation and is due back in court Oct. 22. If convicted of the top charge, she faces a maximum of seven years in prison.

“The members of the Hempstead Schools Civil Service Association entrusted this defendant with their union dues to represent and support them, but instead she allegedly pocketed their money for her personal use,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. “I thank [New York State Unified Teachers] for their investigative work and HSCSA for their cooperation throughout this investigation.”

Singas said that from 2013 through June 2017, Greer was the president of HSCSA. As president, she had unfettered access to the union’s bank account, which was funded by dues paid by members. Greer had complete control over the union checkbook until July 2016.

In June 2017, Greer left office, and Singas said the newly elected president found discrepancies with the union finances. Following a review by New York State Unified Teachers -- a federation of more than 1,200 local unions -- it was discovered that from August 2014 through June 2017 Greer allegedly made unauthorized check payments, purchases and withdrawals that totaled $90,651.18.

When she made the withdrawals, Singas said that Greer claimed the money was used for scholarship programs, cell phone payments, retirement plaques, barbeques and other union expenses. Instead, she allegedly pocketed the money for herself.

There were 53 unauthorized cash withdrawals totaling more than $50,000 allegedly made during the thefts, Singas said, and one $1,500 unauthorized scholarship payment was made to Greer's son, who allegedly did not attend college.

The Hempstead Schools Civil Service Association and the New York State Unified Teachers filed a complaint with the NCDA in January 2018, and an investigation immediately commenced.

Photo courtesy Nassau County District Attorney's Office