Business Office Investigation

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MAY 18, 2022 UPDATE:

The Phoenixville Area School District is pleased that the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Gehris has concluded.  In spite of the challenges of COVID-19 the case was fully investigated.

Today’s ruling allows all parties to begin moving forward.  Mr. Gehris’s actions negatively impacted, the students, parents, community and District. 

The District thanks the Phoenixville Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US District Attorney and the Federal Courts for their work and thoughtful deliberations.   

As always, our thoughts go out to Mr. Gehris’s family. 


Click here for the 5/18/22 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
 
 


NOVEMBER 30, 2021 UPDATE:

On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, the US Attorney’s Office announced the filing of embezzlement charges against Chris Gehris, former PASD Business Manager.

Mr. Gehris resigned from PASD in September 2019, after an internal audit revealed discrepancies in departmental and District procedures.  The discrepancies were reported to local authorities and an investigation has been ongoing since that time. (view the press release from the Attorney General’s Office)

In addition, the District hired an independent firm to conduct a complete forensic audit of the District’s finances and business practices.  That audit report was completed last spring, but the District had been asked to withhold releasing any details until the criminal investigation was complete.  The full report is now available.

“We thank all of the law enforcement officials who worked over the past two years to investigate this matter,” said Dr. Alan Fegley, PASD Superintendent of Schools.  “As a public institution, we take our fiscal responsibility very seriously, and will continue to cooperate with the authorities as they proceed with this case.”

Released 04-22-2020

On Wednesday, April 22nd the forensic audit completed by EisnerAmper Accounting Firm was delivered to the Phoenixville Area School District Board of Directors.

The report has been forwarded to the Phoenixville Police Department.  Sgt. Detective Mark will be leading an investigation into potential misappropriation of funds by a former PASD employee.  Sgt. Detective Mark is working closely with Assistant District Attorney Myles Mattson on this high priority case.

At the request of the investigating authorities, the audit will not be released to the public until we receive clearance from the Police and the District Attorney.

As previously shared, PASD learned of potential misappropriations of funds in August 2019.  Immediate actions were taken, including, but not limited to, contacting the authorities.   A forensic audit firm (EisnerAmper) was retained in late October, and their work has been ongoing.  To see related documents, including a full timeline, please visit the Board of School Directors page of the PASD Website. (all information will be available following the 4/27 Board Meeting) The forensic audit will be released to the public once the District is advised to do so by the police and the DA.

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