Ex-LI Union Treasurer, School Monitor Steals $20K+ In Union Dues: DA

BELLPORT, NY — A former union treasurer and school monitor for the South Country Central School District was arrested after stealing more than $20,000 in union dues, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Monday.

Fannie Bowe, 54, of Bellport, is accused of misusing her union-issued debit card to make unauthorized personal purchases and withdrawals of more than $20,000, while serving as treasurer of the Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates Union, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, Bowe was elected and has served as treasurer of the Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates since October 2020, while also being employed as a school monitor for the South Country Central School District, the DA said.

Between July 2021 to January 2023, Bowe has been accused of repeatedly misusing her union issued debit credit card over an 18-month period, to make more than $2,500 in unauthorized purchases and $18,000 in unauthorized ATM withdrawals, Tierney said.

She also allegedly submitted multiple false treasurer reports to the Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates' executive board to conceal and disguise her unlawful conduct, Tierney said. Bowe’s misuse was uncovered after union officials noticed and questioned expenses on reports she submitted to the union, Tierney said.

The Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates is a local union for teachers assistants and school aides employed by the South Country Central School District, and its funding is generated by member dues, Tierney said.

A representative for that union did not immediately return a request for comment.

On Friday, Bowe was arraigned before District Court Judge Bernard Cheng on charges including one count of third-degree grand larceny, a felony; and two counts of first-degree falsifying business records, felonies, Tierney said.

She faces two and one third to seven years in prison if convicted, the DA said.

Judge Cheng ordered the defendant released on her own recognizance; her next court date is
September 21 and she is being represented by the Legal Aid Society, Tierney said.

"This defendant is alleged to have violated the trust of her colleagues, the hardworking educational professionals of the South Country Central School District," said Tierney. "One of Suffolk County’s greatest assets is its outstanding educational system, and my office is committed to prosecuting those who would seek to unlawfully profit by stealing from any entity that contributes to the system."