JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Duval Teachers United President Teresa “Terrie” Brady pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in connection with a fraud scheme that investigators say 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 prosecutors said Brady, 70, and former DTU executive vice president Ruby George sold back leave time they had not earned, diverting union funds for personal gain.
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“I accept full responsibility for my actions and their consequences,” Brady wrote in a statement to News4JAX. “I am truly sorry for my wrongdoing and the harm I caused to Duval Teachers United (DTU) and its members. Understanding the seriousness of my offenses, I accept the outcome with humility and sincere remorse while deeply regretting breaching the trust placed in me by DTU, my community and my family.”
Brady pleaded guilty to four of the 14 charges she initially faced, and the other charges were dropped in a plea agreement. Brady pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges.
She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for three of the counts and 10 years for one of the counts.
She is expected to have a sentencing hearing about 75 days from Thursday.
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George pleaded guilty in August to three counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, and aiding and abetting mail fraud.
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.
George has not yet been sentenced.
Brady initially pleaded not guilty in the case but a change of plea hearing was held at 1 p.m. Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel Horovitz.
Duval Teachers United previously condemned the fraud, saying new leadership is cooperating fully with law enforcement to recover lost funds and prevent future misconduct.