The principal of an Anne Arundel County School was charged with felony theft of campaign funds in the county's circuit court, State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt announced Tuesday.
Ronald Chesek, 59, was charged with one count of felony theft of more than $10,000 but less than $100,000. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Beginning Feb. 16, 1993, the Severna Park resident was the treasurer of the campaign finance committee known as "The Friends of Joseph J. Minnick." Minnick was the state delegate representing Baltimore County's 6th District until he passed away in October of 2015.
Chesek is also the principal of the Marley Glen Special School in Glen Burnie.
“We became aware of the charges against Mr. Chesek this morning and understand that there is no connection between the charges and the operation of Marley Glen Special School," said Bob Mosier, the Chief Communications Officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. "Mr. Chesek will be reassigned to another position within our school system while this matter is adjudicated. Our Office of Investigations will continue to monitor this case and we will make further decisions as appropriate.”
According to a statement issued by the State Prosecutor, Chesek is alleged to have used campaign funds for his own personal use and benefit while serving as campaign treasurer between July 9, 2013 and Sept. 17, 2017. Charging documents say he wrote several checks payable to himself from the campaign's bank account, totaling a theft of about $13,045.
"Campaign finance officers certainly understand that campaign funds may not be converted to their personal use," Davitt said in a statement. "Misuse or theft of campaign funds simply cannot be tolerated. ”
