Bookkeeper admits stealing thousands from DeKalb Schools

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga.,None — A former bookkeeper admits she stole nearly $23,000 from DeKalb Schools.

A former school bookkeeper has admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from a DeKalb County high school.

Chyrokessia Rucks was a bookkeeper at Stone Mountain High School when she stole nearly $23,000, authorities said. The case was turned over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office after an internal school audit revealed something was wrong.

"That is essentially taking money that would be used for sporting events and various extra-curricular activities and instead of putting it in the bank, she put it in her pocket," Dekalb County District Attorney Robert James told Channel 2's Eric Philips.

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In an affidavit, Rucks claimed that part of the missing money was a deposit that was either lost, misplaced or stolen from her. She said she panicked and did everything she could to replace the money.

“We believe that this is pure, unadulterated theft by taking,” James said.  “When you steal from our schools, you steal from the community. You steal from our children. It’s a very serious offense.”

After Rucks pleaded guilty to theft by taking, a judge sentenced her to 15 years of probation.  She must also repay more than $12,000 to Dekalb County Schools.  She has already repaid the rest.

Rucks resigned from her position at the school.  As part of the plea agreement, she cannot work in a position that involves handling money for the next 15 years.

WSBTV