Former Pontiac Schools Associate Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Sentenced to 12 Months in Federal Prison

A former associate superintendent and acting CFO of Pontiac Schools was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison followed by one year home confinement, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to Pontiac Schools in the amount of $336,000 after having been convicted of one count of defrauding a program receiving federal funding, announced United States Attorney Barbara McQuade.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Jumanne Sledge, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood in Detroit, Michigan.

In February 2010, Sledge directed a subordinate at Pontiac Schools to issue a check payable to his “International Leadership Academy” in the amount of $236,000. Sledge cashed the check and deposited it into his bank account. When later asked for an invoice and purchase order, Sledge created a false invoice to make it appear a payment for a legitimate service. Sledge used the money to finance luxury vehicles, travel and other personal items.

“Among all of the corruption defendants we charge, school officials who steal money are particularly culpable because they are robbing children of their education,” McQuade said.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General.

AUSA J. Michael Buckley investigated and prosecuted the case for the United States.