Pembroke Pines, FL — The assistant head of school at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood is facing a felony charge after allegedly attempting to shoplift nearly $900 worth of merchandise from a Macy’s department store.
According to arrest documents, Raiza Echemendia, 48, was caught trying to conceal 11 clothing and shoe items valued at $876.59 inside her Coach handbag. Police say she was stopped immediately after exiting the store.
Echemendia has since posted bond and is now facing a grand theft charge, a felony under Florida law. Her current employment status at the Catholic high school is unknown.
The news of the arrest shocked many parents, especially as storms disrupted student dismissal on Tuesday. Parent Chelsea Marando, whose child is a freshman at the school, called the allegations “alarming.”
“Morally, it would concern anybody,” she told CBS News Miami.
Marando also noted that the school has not communicated anything to parents regarding the arrest.
“I haven’t heard a word,” she said when asked about any official notice.
CBS reporters visited Echemendia’s residence but received no response. A vehicle in the driveway displayed a Chaminade-Madonna employee parking pass, but the school has yet to respond to multiple requests for comment.
