By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Thursday that Laurelton resident Abi Corbin has been arraigned on a grand jury indictment for allegedly stealing $415,000 from the East-West School of International Studies (PS 281) in Flushing where she worked as a community associate. Her role included processing work orders and the stolen money was meant to purchase materials solely for the school.
Corbin, 53, was arraigned Thursday on indictment charges of grand larceny in the second degree and identity theft in the first degree.
According to the charges and investigation, Corbin was employed as a community associate at the East-West School for International Studies in Flushing. Her responsibilities included making all purchases for the school and processing orders in the school’s financial management system.
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“Theft of public funds intended for our students is a serious breach of trust,” DA Katz said.
From July 2021 through July 2024, Corbin allegedly used the school principal’s login information and signature to authorize purchase orders for cheerleading merchandise and materials, which were then used by her private company, Queens Campus Cheer. The total amount of the stolen funds is estimated at approximately $415,000.
On July 31, 2024, the school principal was informed that several boxes were delivered to the school containing cheerleading merchandise. The school does not have a cheerleading team and Queens Campus Cheer is not associated with the school or the Department of Education.
Corbin surrendered to the Queens District Attorney’s office on Thursday.
“Theft of public funds intended for our students is a serious breach of trust,” Katz said.
If convicted, Corbin faces a potential maximum of five to 15 years in prison.
