Lunch Ladies Allegedly Steal Almost Half A Million Dollars From School Cafeterias

According to police, two lunch ladies in Connecticut were methodically pilfering cafeteria accounts as they served children in New Canaan.   Marie Wilson, 67, and Joanne Pascarelli, 61, allegedly racked up roughly $500,000 over five yearsThe sisters worked at the Saxe Middle School cafeteria and the New Canaan High School cafeteria.  School officials claims that they found missing funds that are now charged as theft of $478,588 between 2012 and 2017. They could now received 15 years in prison if convicted first degree-defrauding a public community.

The sisters were identified after the school district implemented a new accounting software system.  Cashiers said that the sisters told them not to count the cash at the end of each day — taking over this important role.  Police say that they would them underreport earnings and pocket the difference.  On many days, the two reported no cash at the end of the day.

What is most striking is that this alleged scheme went on for 15 years but only the last five years are being charged due to the passage of time under the statute of limitations.  Of course, 15 year sentences at their age could well prove a life sentence.