Teresa Brady and Ruby George, former leaders of Duval Teachers United (DTU), have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, as well as aiding and abetting both offenses. Each offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Brady also admitted guilt to money laundering, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years. Both have agreed to forfeit at least $2.6 million that is connected to the proceeds from their crimes.
Court documents reveal that Brady served as President and George as Executive Vice President of DTU, which represents around 6,500 members—about 80% of eligible employees—in Duval County Public Schools. The union’s annual revenue is approximately $5 million, mostly funded by dues from its members.
From 2013 through 2022, the two engaged in a scheme where they each stole more than $1.2 million from DTU by selling leave time they had not accrued or earned back. They concealed the fraud by submitting false information to auditors and signing each other’s checks for unearned payments while keeping these transactions hidden from the union’s Secretary/Treasurer. Required financial disclosures sent to the Florida Public Employee Relations Commission did not include these fraudulent compensations.
Brady also used some proceeds from the scheme in personal financial transactions, including paying off credit card debt with more than $10,000 obtained through fraud.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron is prosecuting the case.
"This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations."
