Former Riverwood International Charter School Principal Eddie Echols stole almost $25,000 by making charges to a fraudulent credit card, according to a police report the Fulton County School District released Monday night.
Eddie Echols, who resigned last fall from Riverwood in Sandy Springs, has been charged with theft by taking, financial identity fraud and financial transaction card fraud, according to the report.
The report, compiled by Fulton County schools Police Chief Felipe Usury, alleges that Echols admitted to making inappropriate charges because he had financial troubles.
“But I paid it right back,” Echols is alleged to have told Superintendent Robert Avossa when discussing the suspicious credit card charges.
Jail records indicate Echols was arrested on Feb. 29 and released on March 1 on $15,000 bond.
Echols could not be reached for comment.
According to the report, in 2008 Echols applied for and received a Costco American Express Card under both his name and that of Riverwood International Charter School. The report says Echols didn't receive permission from the Fulton County Board of Education to apply for, receive or use the card.
The report also alleges that Echols renewed the card and allowed an unidentified Riverwood parent to put his picture on it -- evidence used to charge Echols with identity fraud.
The report alleges that from 2008 to 2011, Echols made nearly $25,000 worth of purchases with the card, mostly using Riverwood’s money.
Echols has repaid $2,267 of the money he owes the school system, the report states. The report says Echols still owes $18,727.
The report recounts a conversation between Echols and Superintendent Robert Avossa, in which it is alleged that Echols admitted to making inappropriate charges because he had financial troubles.
“But I paid it right back,” Echols is alleged to have said to Avossa when discussing the suspicious credit card charges.
The report alleges Echols did not show up for an interview at school police headquarters on Feb. 28 and he was told he had until Feb. 29 to turn himself in to the Fulton County Jail. Jail records indicate Echols was arrested on Feb. 29 and released on March 1 on $15,000 bond. School spokeswoman Samantha Evans said Echols turned himself in.
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