Police: Principal ripped off PTA, book-fair funds

An elementary school principal is under arrest in Delaware for stealing money from fund-raisers and a PTA account.

Jacob J. Getty, Jr., 43, of Wilmington, stole more than $18,000 from March 2009 through August 2011 while holding the top job at New Castle's Eisenberg Elementary School, according to state police.

He turned himself in on Sunday after police obtained warrants for his arrest.

Getty was also suspended without pay by the Colonial School District, and sent a letter of intent to dismiss, said spokeswoman Lauren Wilson.

Getty, who had access to the school PTA's checkbook, is alleged to have taken more than $4,000 for personal use by making 11 pre-signed checks out to himself.

He also kept funds from four book fairs - one in April 2009, another in September 2010, and two in May 2011 - and used PTA funds to cover his tracks after being accused of the first book-fair misappropriation, police said.

After being arraigned, he was released on $12,000 unsecured bail.