Mom Stole $61K From Philadelphia School District: Attorney General

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia mother is accused of stealing from the School District of Philadelphia by claiming to offer therapeutic care services, and accepting district funds for it.

Laurel Schullere, owner of Missing Pieces in Germantown, turned herself in to authorities Wednesday in Philadelphia after being charged with theft by deception, attempted theft by deception, and provider prohibited acts, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.

Authorities allege Schullere stole more than $61,000 from the district through a years-long scheme involving services for her children.

According to the AG's office, Schullere has two children who require therapeutic care provided through the district. Schullere assured the district that Missing Pieces would deliver those services, authorities allege. However, they said Schullere failed to disclose that she owned the business.

Over nine years, the school district sent Schullere payments for services totaling more than $61,000, and Schullere kept those payments for herself, the AG's office said. Bank records show that Schullere received the payments, but did not forward any funds to Missing Pieces.

Investigators later found no evidence that Missing Pieces was an operational business, according to authorities.

The company, according to authorities, listed two addresses: one tied to an unrelated church and another that was an abandoned property.

"This defendant exploited a system designed to help her own children grow and succeed," Attorney General Dave Sunday said. "Instead of ensuring the children received the care they needed, the defendant misled the district and pocketed taxpayer dollars."