Duval teachers union leaders accused of stealing $2.5M plead not guilty, released on bond

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The former president and executive vice president of Duval Teachers United (DTU), accused of conspiring to steal more than $2.5 million from the union, appeared in federal court Friday morning.

Both pleaded not guilty to stealing millions from DTU.

After, Teresa (Terrie) Brady, 69, exited court Friday morning News4JAX tried to speak with her, but her attorneys said they had no comment to give.

According to the Department of Justice, Brady and Ruby George, 81, got the money by selling back leave time they had not accrued or earned back to the teachers union between 2013 and 2022.

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The indictment said the two withheld the activity from the DTU’s auditors by signing each other’s checks, hid the payments from the DTU’s Secretary/Treasurer, and withheld the funds from Florida’s Public Employee Relations Committee (PERC) in required yearly financial statements.

Hank Coxe, a high-profile attorney representing Brady, provided a statement claiming she “accurately reported her compensation” to the federal government.

“For decades, Teresa Brady has been applauded as an advocate for our local teachers and quality education. Throughout her career with Duval Teachers United, Mrs. Brady accurately reported her compensation to the federal government in her tax returns. We are confident as we move forward, and Mrs. Brady appreciates the outpouring of support,” Coxe wrote.

George, the former executive vice president who was also indicted for multiple counts of fraud alongside Brady, is being represented by Reid Hart and John Phillips.

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In court Friday morning, the federal prosecutor noted how a grand jury indicted Brady on 14 charges and George on 12.

Both Brady and George face charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and mail fraud with each count carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Brady is also charged with two counts of money laundering.

The judge is allowing both women to remain free on bond, but they were required to surrender their passports.

Following the indictments this week, Duval Teachers United released a statement saying that neither the organization nor any current employees were subjects of the federal investigation. They also added that financial safeguards have been put in place.

The trial for the women is currently scheduled to start on March 3.