Groceries, Gravesites and Casinos: Former Brookfield Central Choir Director Accused of Embezzling $50,000 from School

BROOKFIELD -- Phillip Olson, the longtime choir director at Brookfield Central High School is accused of embezzling almost $50,000 from the choir program to pay for casino trips, groceries and a grave site.

According to a report from WISN 12 late Thursday, Olson admitted to setting up a secret account that he could access for personal expenses.

According to the criminal complaint, an accounting review for the period from 2010 to 2015 turned up the embezzlement from accounts that Olson had set up for the choir but was using for personal expenses.

The 53-year-old Olson worked for the district for nearly 24 years. He was fired last April, a few weeks after the alleged theft was discovered.

Olson has been charged with felony Theft-Business Setting greater than $10,000. If convicted, Olson could face up to five years behind bars or up to $25,000 in fines, or both. He has been ordered into court for his initial appearance on Sep. 19.

WISN 12 recently learned that Olson is now the choral director at the Milwaukee School of Languages, an MPS school.