Criminal charges have been filed against an Edina woman who helped run the Edina school district's community education programs for years before she resigned under fire last month.
Catherine Breitenstein, 46, was charged with one count of theft by swindle, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Hennepin County District Court.
She's accused of taking $11,381 from community education funds for her personal use while serving as operations manager for the school district's community education department.
Breitenstein declined to comment Tuesday on the charges. She resigned on July 15 from her job, a position she's held since 1994. She also gave district officials a cashier's check for $11,381.
Ric Dressen, superintendent of Edina Public Schools, said he was disappointed by the alleged theft.
"The community puts a lot of trust in us," he said. "She's been a very strong employee for us over the years and respected by all. That action is a break of trust."
According to the complaint, Breitenstein processed eight credits to her personal credit card account from three different program budgets within the Edina community education program. She allegedly took the money between July 15, 2009 and June 16, 2010.
All credits were entered into the system under Breitenstein's account name and password. She was not authorized to process any type of credit transaction, the complaint says.
