Union County Parent Accused Of Stealing $29K From School Fund, Police Say

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A Union County parent and former treasurer is facing charges in connection with missing funds from a parent-run volunteer school organization.

Kathy O’Neil, 52, of Clark has been charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking and third-degree credit card fraud.

The charges follow a months-long investigation into missing money from a parent-run school organization at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains, according to the Union County Police Department.

"Parent-school organizations such as the one at the Academy for Allied Health are fundamental to creating opportunities for students, keeping parents connected, and enhancing the educational experience. It is a community built on trust, fairness, and shared goals for the success of all students, and we are looking forward to this being resolved," said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek.

The Union County Police Department said it was notified on Jan. 14 of a reported theft involving funds missing from the Parent School Alliance account.

The parent-run volunteer organization supports students attending the Academy for Allied Health Sciences.

Detective Rodrigues conducted the investigation and determined that former Treasurer O’Neil had sole access to the account during the 2024-2025 school year, according to police.

The investigation reportedly found numerous questionable transactions, including ATM withdrawals, teller withdrawals, online purchases and other expenditures unrelated to the organization.

In total, about $29,000 was found to be missing from the account, police reported.

O’Neil turned herself in to Union County Police on July 23. She was processed on the charges and released pending a Union County Superior Court appearance scheduled for Aug. 27.

If convicted, O’Neil faces 3 to 5 years of imprisonment on each third-degree conviction, along with fines, restitution of the missing funds and court assessments or fees.

Superintendent Gwen Ryan stated, "The District has no comment at this time, as it is a pending legal matter. We will monitor the situation closely as partnership with parent organizations continues to be an important support to our programs."

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