2 Caddo principals arrested for theft of school funds

SHREVEPORT, La. – Two of three Caddo Parish school principals under investigation for thefts at their schools have been arrested. Former Werner Park Principal Raquel Fuggins-Mock, 45, surrendered to the Caddo Correctional Center Wednesday night, where she was booked on one count of felony theft. She is free after posting bond. Queensborough Leadership Academy Principal Marco French, 43, turned himself in to CCC Thursday afternoon and was also charged with felony theft. He also posted bond.  The investigation continues into North Highlands Principal Bridget Bridges and two former school district employees. Caddo Parish sheriff’s Capt. Bobby Herring anticipates the investigation to conclude soon.  “We believe Mr. French and Mrs. Fuggins committed theft and that’s why we got arrest warrants and got them signed and asked them to turned themselves in,” Herring said. The investigation was prompted by an internal audit performed by the Caddo School District that found evidence school funds totaling about $9,700 was stolen from accounts at the three schools. A paraprofessional and bookkeeper also were named. “Internal audits are conducted regularly to make sure schools are in compliance with Board policies and district accounting procedures. The district's rigorous internal controls led to the discovery of inconsistencies with financial reporting. The findings of internal and external audits were reported to the Louisiana Board of Ethics, the Legislative Auditor and local law enforcement and immediate action was taken at the district level," Caddo Schools Superintendent Lamar Goree said.  “In addition, Caddo Parish Public Schools will continue collaborating with law enforcement throughout the duration of this investigation. The district remains dedicated to enhancing financial practices that will support the educational needs of our students.” The audit conducted found Fuggins-Mock, purchased sound equipment, gift cards, and other items that could not be accounted for. The total amount of items was $3,007. A separate audit revealed that French, illegally received over $2,600. Of that amount, $1,012 was Title I funding earmarked for Saturday morning tutoring. Other illegal reimbursements were for travel expenses and purchasing items from a company with which he was personally associated.  Restitution has been made by the principals, but that did not affect the investigation. Fuggins-Mock and Bridges had already resigned from the district. French, who was the 2022 Louisiana Principal of the Year, was placed on administrative leave on March 8, the day KTBS reported on the investigations. KTBS obtained public records related to the audit through a public records request. According to the documents: Auditors believe Bridges got paid for Saturday tutoring programs she did not attend.; Fuggins-Mock spent school funds for silk flowers and speakers that were used at her wedding; and French billed for tutoring sessions he did not attend and was reimbursed twice for an out-of-town trip for a conference.