LAND O'LAKES, Fla. — The principal of Connerton Elementary School in Land O'Lakes was arrested Thursday and charged with grand theft, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
- Edward John Abernathy, 50, faces one charge of grand theft
- Investigators: Abernathy kept portion of cash a special needs student brought to school
- More Pasco County stories
Investigators said on October 23, a 9-year-old special needs student brought $2,100 of his parents' money to school. Once they were made aware of the situation, teachers took the money, counted it, and placed it in Principal Edward John Abernathy's office.
When the student's mother went to retrieve the money, Abernathy reportedly only gave her $1,200 back.
Deputies investigating the case determined that Abernathy kept the $900.
Abernathy, 50, was charged with one count of grand theft.
No further information has been released.
The principal of Connerton Elementary School in Land O'Lakes was arrested Thursday and charged with grand theft, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. (Pasco County Sheriff's Office)