JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ruby George, 81, former executive vice president of Duval Teachers United, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy and fraud charges related to a scheme that stole more than $1.2 million from the union over nearly a decade.
The charges stem from a scheme between 2013 and 2022 in which George and former Duval Teachers United President Teresa “Terrie” Brady sold back leave time they had not earned, diverting union funds for personal gain.
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George appeared in federal court in Jacksonville’s Middle District of Florida, arriving in a wheelchair, wearing all black clothing coupled with dark glasses.
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She kept her eyes closed and head down until the hearing began before Magistrate Judge Hon. Samuel J. Horovitz.
George took an oath and formally pleaded guilty to three counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, and aiding and abetting mail fraud.
During the hearing, Judge Horovitz confirmed George’s identity, education level, and mental competency.
George said she holds a master’s degree and is taking 14 prescription medications, none of which affect her ability to understand the proceedings.
George acknowledged she understood the plea agreement, which outlines maximum penalties including up to 20 years in prison for each count and forfeiture of at least $2.5 million in fraudulent funds. She also admitted to concealing the scheme from union auditors and officials.
Both sides waived the usual 40-day appeal period for the judge’s recommendation. Sentencing is scheduled in about 75 days before a district judge.
Duval Teachers United previously condemned the fraud, saying new leadership is cooperating fully with law enforcement to recover lost funds and prevent future misconduct.
Teresa Brady’s case remains pending, with a status conference scheduled for Aug. 18 in Jacksonville before Judge Marcia Morales Howard.
The United States and Brady have jointly notified the court they do not intend to proceed to trial and agreed to a request to move the date to Nov. 3, 2025.
The deadline for Brady to enter a plea is Aug. 25.
