Teresa Brady and Ruby George, the former president and vice president of Duval Teachers United (DTU), have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in embezzling more than $2.6 million from the union. The sentencing was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard in Jacksonville, Florida.
Brady, 70, received a sentence of 27 months in federal prison. George, 82, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison followed by six months of home confinement. Both women had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, and aiding and abetting mail fraud. Additionally, Brady pleaded guilty to money laundering.
The court ordered both defendants to forfeit the proceeds from their crimes, totaling $2,600,235.99. They must also pay restitution of the same amount to DTU.
According to court documents, Brady and George led DTU—a labor union representing approximately 6,500 members who work as teachers, paraprofessionals, and office personnel at Duval County Public Schools (DCPS). The union’s annual revenue is about $5 million from member dues.
From 2013 through 2022, Brady and George conspired to steal more than $1.2 million each by selling back leave time they had not accrued or earned and awarding themselves unauthorized bonuses and fake reimbursements. They hid these activities by providing false information during audits and signing checks for each other without notifying the DTU Secretary/Treasurer or board of directors. They also concealed their actions from the State of Florida’s Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) by filing misleading annual financial statements.
“This sentencing demonstrates that individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be held accountable,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Brady and George engaged in a prolonged scheme that harmed the members and integrity of the organization she was entrusted to lead. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to detect and disrupt complex financial fraud crimes.”
“Individuals who exploit their authority for personal gain and betray the trust placed in them will face justice,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “This case sends a clear message: IRS Criminal Investigation stands firm with our federal partners in relentlessly pursuing those who engage in fraud and corruption, no matter how long the scheme lasts. Our mission is to protect the integrity of our institutions and ensure justice for the victims.”
The investigation was conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Coolican and Kelly S. Milliron prosecuted the case with assistance from former Assistant United States Attorney A. Tysen Duva on prosecution matters; Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Harrington and Julie Simonsen handled forfeiture and restitution issues.
