NJ Teacher Guilty in Cash-for-Grades Scheme - Updated

(Colts Neck, New Jersey) Former Colts Neck High School teacher Megan Laboy has confessed to culpability in the cash-for-grades scheme and admitted that she never had any intentions of turning the money over to charity.

Laboy admitted to the crime under questioning from her defense attorney, Marcie Mackolin, before state Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr. She pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree theft by deception.

During the questioning, Laboy admitted she received between $200 and $500 in donations from students; earlier reports from police put the total amount of donations at more than $1,400 during the 2008-09 school year.

Laboy initially faced a third-degree charge of theft by deception.

Authorities had contended that she told her students she would give the money to various undisclosed charities and in turn give them extra credit on their final grades and exams. But instead of making the donations, Laboy admitted she pocketed the money for herself.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 14.

Once again, I have to note my bewilderment at this most illogical crime committed by Laboy. Maybe she lives near one of those infamous New Jersey toxic waste dumps. Sheesh!

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NJ Teacher Accused in Cash-for-Grades Scheme
[Previous 9/1/09 post]
(Colts Neck, New Jersey) A 30-year-old teacher formerly at Colts Neck High School, Megan Laboy, surrendered to police yesterday morning to face charges of theft by deception stemming from an alleged scheme where she collected money from students in exchange for higher grades.

It's reported that Laboy collected more than $1,400 during the 2008-2009 school year.

Laboy allegedly told her students she would give the money to various charities and in turn give them extra credit on their final grades and exams, but instead kept the money for herself, Sgt. Joseph Whitehead said.

Laboy, of Howell, turned herself in at police headquarters this morning and was released on her own recognizance after being charged with one count of third-degree theft by deception.

If the allegations are true, Laboy essentially traded a $65,000+ per year job for a handful of cash from the students -- hardly a savvy move.