Detroit Principals Busted

Thirteen former and current principals within the Detroit Public School (DPS) district have been charged by federal officials with engaging in a long-running kickback and bribery scheme. Beginning in 2002 and continuing until January 2015, the scheme involved business with DPS worth about $2.7 million, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Ronald Alexander

The principals, all of whom were charged separately, are alleged to have submitted fraudulent school supply invoices to the district in return for payments.

Among the defendants is Spain Elementary-Middle School principal, Ronald Alexander. His school was showcased on The Ellen Show last month when Ellen surprised him with a $500,000 donation.

The bribery and tax evasion charges come amidst word that Detroit’s schools are drowning under $3.5 billion of debt.

"The actions of these individuals are reprehensible and represent a breach of the public trust," said Steven Rhodes, a judge recently appointed to run Detroit Public Schools.