Pocono News Section

FBI Needs Help in Teachers Paying for Jobs Probe

FBI Needs Help in Teachers Paying for Jobs Probe - Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 6:10PM EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The I-Team broke the story last week about the F. B.I. looking into the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Wednesday that probe took a very public direction.
The F. B.I., in a very rare move, is asking for the public, all across northeastern Pennsylvania, to come forth if they have any information about teachers paying for jobs.

As the I-Team first told you last week, the F. B.I. is looking into allegations that some employees, namely teachers, have paid for jobs in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.

On Tuesday Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Namey handed over records and testified before a federal grand jury in Scranton that is looking into the case.

And on Monday night Wilkes-Barre Area teachers met to discuss the F. B.I. probe. Wednesday the F. B.I. made this public appeal to teachers all across the area.

Special Agent Jim Glenn said, "If you are a teacher, a prospective teacher, employee, prospective employee of any kind who was required to pay money or anything else of value to any individual in connection with being hired in any public school in northeastern Pennsylvania, or denied employment because you refused to provide money or anything else of value, you may be a victim of a crime. Contact our office."

Just about every school district has rumors of job buying. The F. B.I. wants to hear from those who have solid information. He added, "We need your help. If you have first-hand knowledge, please contact us. We're looking for substantive information, not rumors, innuendo, etc."

If you have any information about "pay to play” schemes in any district, call the F. B.I. office in Scranton at (570) 344-2404.