Covington Principal Arrested on Misconduct Charges Following Investigation
COVINGTON, Washington — The principal of a local elementary school has been taken into custody after a probe into alleged financial improprieties at the institution.
According to the Covington Police Department, John H. Richardson, 47, principal of Maplewood Elementary School, was arrested at approximately 8:15 AM local time on Tuesday, November 19, from his residence in the 2400 block of Birch Lane.
What: Richardson faces multiple charges, including first-degree theft and misappropriation of school funds.
When: The arrest occurred early this morning following a three-month investigation conducted by the King County Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit.
Where: The incident centered on Maplewood Elementary School in Covington, Washington, approximately 20 miles southeast of Seattle.
Why: Authorities allege Richardson diverted over $150,000 from school activity accounts into personal accounts between January 2023 and October 2024, using the funds for personal expenditures including travel and luxury goods.
How: The investigation was launched after a routine audit by the Covington School District revealed discrepancies in account balances. Detectives utilized forensic accounting and subpoenaed bank records to establish the alleged pattern of embezzlement.
"This arrest underscores the commitment of law enforcement and the school district to accountability and transparency," stated Police Chief Michael Torres in a formal statement.
Richardson remains held at the King County Correctional Facility pending a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday. He has been placed on administrative leave by the school district pending the outcome of legal proceedings.