Kyrene Elementary School District - Theft and Misuse of Public Monies

Our investigation revealed that from July 2004 through March 2009, Janet Thor, former principal, violated state laws related to misuse of public monies, theft, and fraudulent schemes and artifices while misusing at least $54,791 of public monies and embezzling at least $33,940. These monies were intended to benefit the students attending Ms. Thor’s schools. However, Ms. Thor used some of these monies for her own benefit, including paying personal debt, travel, and household expenses.

Ms. Thor perpetrated her scheme by diverting gifts, donations, and other payments from local businesses, parent support organizations, and community members into unauthorized bank accounts. Then, Ms. Thor wrote checks payable to herself, withdrew cash, and wrote checks for her personal expenses from the accounts. Additionally, Ms. Thor supplied fraudulent documentation to the District during its investigation.

On July 26, 2010, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office presented evidence of Ms. Thor’s crimes to the State Grand Jury. This action resulted in the indictment of Ms. Thor on 16 counts of misuse of public monies, 2 counts of theft, and 2 counts of fraudulent schemes.