Watch CBS News

School Principal Charged With Stealing $13K From Late State Delegate

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) — An elementary school principal and treasurer for the campaign finance committee known as "The Friends of Joseph J. Minnick" has been charged with felony theft.

The announcement came Tuesday morning from State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt.

Prosecutors allege that between July 9, 2013, and Sept. 17, 2017, 59-year-old Ronald Chesek of Severna Park used campaign funds for his own personal benefit and wrote numerous checks payable to himself from the Friends of Joseph J. Minnick's campaign account for a total amount of $13,045.

The campaign committee was for late Maryland state delegate, Joseph Minnick who died in of a blood disease in Oct. 2015 after serving the House of Delegates five times dating back to 1988.

Chesek, who started as Minnick's treasurer in 1993, is currently in his ninth year as principal at Marley Glen Elementary School in Glen Burnie.

He announced Oct. 18 that he would be retiring from the position in 2019.

"We became aware of the charges against Mr. Chesek this morning and understand that there is no connection between the charges and the operation of Marley Glen Special School," said Bob Mosier, Chief Communications Officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. "Mr. Chesek will be reassigned to another position within our school system while this matter is adjudicated. Our Office of Investigations will continue to monitor this case and we will make further decisions as appropriate."

If convicted, Chesek faces up to fifteen years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Follow @WJZ on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.