SAN JOSE, Calif. – Tayesa Knight, former president of the Schallenberger Home and School Association in San Jose, California, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and forgery after allegedly embezzling funds from the organization over a four-year period.
Allegations and Arrest
Tayesa Knight, 51, residing in San Jose, served as the president of the Schallenberger Home and School Association, which supports enrichment programs at Schallenberger Elementary School located at 1280 Koch Lane. Knight’s arrest followed accusations of writing 45 fraudulent checks to herself, amounting to more than $400,000, according to detectives from the San Jose Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit.
Investigation and Charges
The investigation began after an online police report in July 2023 flagged potential theft within the organization. Detectives uncovered suspicious financial transactions dating from 2019 to 2023, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant and a search warrant for Knight’s residence. Knight allegedly justified the checks as reimbursements for services not provided.
Legal Proceedings
Following her arrest, Tayesa Knight was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail, awaiting legal proceedings regarding the charges of grand theft and forgery.
Official Response
In response to the incident, the San Jose Unified School District emphasized its commitment to honesty and integrity, stating, San José Unified prides itself on the pillars of honesty and integrity, and we take any allegations that run counter to those values very seriously. The district expressed cooperation with law enforcement agencies as they pursue the case.
Conclusion
Tayesa Knight’s arrest underscores the importance of financial oversight and accountability within educational organizations. The allegations highlight the need for vigilant monitoring of financial transactions to prevent fraudulent activities that undermine the integrity of institutions. Download The Local News App to stay updated on developments in this case and other local news stories.
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