Leaders of charter school in Philadelphia sentenced for stealing funds

From The Philadelphia Inquirer: The founder of a Philadelphia charter school and her sister, both of whom had pleaded guilty to covering up the theft of more than $14,000 in taxpayer funds, have been sentenced to house arrest and community service. Martha Russell, founder of the former Raising Horizons Quest Charter School, and Viola Bush, the former chief financial officer, were placed on five years' probation. The women were placed on house arrest for six months and must perform 250 hours of community service. They also must make restitution of a total of $24,282. The two pleaded guilty to two felony charges of conspiracy and altering credit-card documents in 2006. They used school funds for personal expenses, including restaurant meals, gasoline, travel, and alcohol.