Ex-principal accused of union fund embezzlement

A former Highland Park school official is accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from his union.

Samuel Craig was assistant principal at Highland Park Community High School. He was also treasurer of the union representing the district’s administrators.

Joy Yearout is with state attorney general Bill Schuette’s office.

She says Craig is accused of stealing more than $36,000 from the union.

“He did sign checks over to himself, and also obtained a credit card from the union’s accounts without any of the leadership’s permission or knowledge, and he proceeded to use that debit card for unauthorized purchases,” Yearout says.

Yearout says Craig could face up to ten years in prison on the embezzlement charge. Unlawful use of a debit card is a four-year felony.

A spokesman from the Highland Park School District says Craig was laid off on September 1st.