Former Urban Prep CEO Tim King Indicted for Embezzling Over $100,000
Federal prosecutors have indicted Tim King, the founder and former CEO of Urban Prep Academics, on charges of stealing more than $100,000 from the Chicago-based charter school network. According to a newly unsealed grand jury indictment, King allegedly embezzled $103,833.33 in 2021 and 2022 to cover personal credit card expenses. The indictment further alleges that King attempted to obstruct justice by deleting online records after learning of the criminal investigation in 2022. King faces two counts of federal program theft and one count of obstruction of justice, carrying a maximum potential sentence of 40 years in prison. His attorney, Christopher V. Parente, has dismissed the allegations as false and absurd, asserting King's innocence and intention to contest the charges vigorously. This legal development adds to the turmoil surrounding Urban Prep, which is currently battling Chicago Public Schools to keep its remaining high schools open amid financial difficulties and a previous scandal involving unsubstantiated sexual misconduct allegations that led to King's resignation. Once celebrated for its college acceptance rates, the network now serves fewer than 200 students.
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Former Urban Prep CEO Tim King Indicted for Embezzling Over $100,000
Federal prosecutors have indicted Tim King, the founder and former CEO of Urban Prep Academics, on charges of stealing more than $100,000 from the Chicago-based charter school network. According to a newly unsealed grand jury indictment, King allegedly embezzled $103,833.33 in 2021 and 2022 to cover personal credit card expenses. The indictment further alleges that King attempted to obstruct justice by deleting online records after learning of the criminal investigation in 2022. King faces two counts of federal program theft and one count of obstruction of justice, carrying a maximum potential sentence of 40 years in prison. His attorney, Christopher V. Parente, has dismissed the allegations as false and absurd, asserting King's innocence and intention to contest the charges vigorously. This legal development adds to the turmoil surrounding Urban Prep, which is currently battling Chicago Public Schools to keep its remaining high schools open amid financial difficulties and a previous scandal involving unsubstantiated sexual misconduct allegations that led to King's resignation. Once celebrated for its college acceptance rates, the network now serves fewer than 200 students.
chicagotribune