PALM BAY, Fla. – The principal of a private Christian school in Palm Bay and his wife were arrested Monday, accused of stealing thousands of dollars in Florida school voucher money.
Ryan Lugo, 50, is the principal of El Sinai Christian Academy. Investigators say he and Nancy Lugo, 52, used the money for personal expenses paid with the school’s bank account and credit cards. Among the charges were payments for the Lugos’ personal AT&T account, a stay at a hotel for a personal trip, and a $399 “personal defense membership” from a company that provides concealed carry permit training.
In addition, investigators say the school received extra state funds to provide free transportation, uniforms, and registration fees. However, the school charged parents transportation, sold them uniforms for the students, and made them pay $150 in registration fees per student.
In all, according to a report by the Florida Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, the Lugos allegedly took about $49,686.94 over three years, between January 2021 and April 30, 2024.
The case was originally brought to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office after a parent filed the complaint, citing an internal audit by a pastor at the school’s church, Iglesia El Sinai Church.
The sheriff’s office says the senior pastor at the church refused to press charges against Lugo and helped to conceal the crime. We are not naming the pastor because he has not been charged with a crime.
Both Lugos are facing felony charges of grand theft.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:
Post comments (0)