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Former Jacksonville elementary school bookkeeper accused of fraud, theft

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former bookkeeper at a Duval County elementary school is facing charges after being accused of financial misconduct.

Tramaine Jones, 36, was arrested Wednesday on charges of organized fraud and grand theft, according to an arrest report from the Duval School Board Police.

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Jones was a bookkeeper at Garden City Elementary School, but resigned in July, according to a message from Principal Mychelle Grover.

Jones was also being investigated by the DCPS Office of Professional Standards.

On June 20, $400 in loose cash was found in one box and several uncashed checks were found in another box at the school, according to the arrest report.

A check for $30,000 was set to come out of the school's Extended Day account, but it was discovered that there was less than $15,000 in the account, the report said.

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At one point, according to the report, the missing funds totaled $36,748. Adding to that total were four missing deposits. Out of nine documented deposits on the log book, only five physical deposits were in the safe.

On June 24, Jones was interviewed by DCPS staff and police. At that time, a cardboard file box was found in a closet. It contained "a large sum of loose cash and checks. There were also several deposit slips, bank bags, and other official documents," the arrest report said.

On Oct. 9, DCPS determined the total dollar amount still missing was approximately $17,800.

"This was determined based on the forensic audit of just one school year. There may be further funds missing that have not yet been discovered," the report said.

The school district sent the following message to Garden City Elementary families:

Hello Garden City Elementary School Families,

You are all members of our school community, and we want to make sure that I  always communicate with you openly and honestly. That is especially true when it is regarding disappointing news such as what I am sharing with you now.

Yesterday, a former staff member, Ms. Tramaine Jones, was arrested by Duval County School Police on charges related to financial misconduct at the school.

According to police, specific charges include grand theft and organized fraud. It's important to know that this individual resigned in July. At the time of their resignation, they were also under investigation by the district's professional standard's office.

Again, I am very disappointed to share this news with you, but I just wanted you to be aware. Please know that we have the highest expectations and professional standards for our staff and educators.

I thank you for your continued partnership with us. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (904) 924-3130.