LAKE ZURICH, Ill. (FOX 56) — A former cheerleading coach at Lake Zurich High School has been charged with theft and money laundering after allegedly diverting over $38,000 in school district funds for personal use.
Gabrielle N. Kelly, 26, of Algonquin, turned herself in to authorities on March 14 after a warrant was issued for her arrest. The charges stem from an investigation into financial discrepancies discovered by Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95.
According to Lake Zurich Police Deputy Chief Colin Gaffney, the investigation began in February when representatives from the school district noticed irregularities in invoicing practices related to the high school cheerleading program. After a thorough review, it was determined that Kelly had unlawfully diverted over $38,000 in funds meant for school activities.
Lake Zurich District 95 Superintendent Dr. Kelley Gallt praised the district’s Business Department for their vigilance in uncovering the financial discrepancies. Gallt also thanked the Lake Zurich Police Department for their collaboration in the investigation. “We are grateful for the strong partnership with the Lake Zurich Police Department,” she said.
Kelly, who is no longer part of the coaching staff, was charged with two counts of Class 1 felony theft and two counts of Class 2 felony money laundering.
Kelly turned herself in on Tuesday, and appeared in front of Lake County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nerheim. Because the charges are non-detainable under the Illinois SAFE-T Act, Kelly was released from custody with a future court date set for April 9.
In her social media profile, Kelly listed herself as an English teacher at Grayslake Central High School and a cheerleading coach at Lake Zurich High School in 2024. A student newspaper from Grayslake Central High also identified her as an English II and III teacher with a coaching role at Lake Zurich High School. However, neither the Grayslake nor Lake Zurich High School websites mentioned Kelly as a current teacher or coach as of Tuesday evening.
