Ex-Teacher’s Probation Hearing

On Larceny/Forgery Charges To Resume

By Andrew Gorosko

A court hearing on a former Newtown High School teacher’s request to participate in a special probationary program in connection with multiple felony larceny and forgery charges that she is facing is scheduled to resume on Friday, October 21, in Danbury Superior Court.

The hearing on an “accelerated rehabilitation” application by Sabrina Post, 47, of 18 Split Rock Road, Newtown, began on October 14 and was continued to October 21 by Judge Richard Marano. Several character witnesses testified on behalf of Ms Post at the October 14 session.

Accelerated rehabilitation is a special form of pretrial probation for first-time offenders, which is intended to give them a second chance. Accelerated rehabilitation is granted at a judge’s discretion.

Under the program, the pending criminal charges would be dismissed if Ms Post successfully completes a probationary period, during which she would stay out of trouble with the law and meet the specific terms of her probation. The maximum probationary period is two years.

Ms Post has pleaded “not guilty” to one count of first degree larceny, two counts of second degree larceny, four counts of second degree forgery, and one count of criminal attempt to commit fifth degree larceny. Seven of the eight charges are felonies. Ms Post is free on a written promise to appear in court. Ms Post is represented by attorney Robert Lacobelle.

The eight charges concern the state’s claims that Ms Post allegedly fraudulently obtained several thousand dollars of funds, goods, and services from the Newtown public school system.

Under the terms of an August agreement, Ms Post quit her teaching job and agreed to provide more than $11,000 in restitution to the public schools. That agreement resolved the school system’s effort to fire Ms Post in light of the eight criminal charges that she is facing.

As part of that agreement, the school system agreed not to oppose Ms Post’s request for accelerated rehabilitation.

The town government, however, views the matter differently.

First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal has said that he will formally oppose Ms Post participating in the special probationary program.

Assistant State’s Attorney Deborah Mabbett said this week that the state will also oppose Ms Post’s bid for accelerated rehabilitation.

Following complaints from school officials, Newtown police investigated allegations against Ms Post and arrested her on separate warrants on April 11 and April 27.

According to police, Ms Post allegedly submitted bogus reimbursement forms to the school system to obtain $1,735 in funds to attend two Connecticut Drama Association workshops in New York City in January 2003 and February 2004, which police say never occurred.

Police also allege Ms Post also fraudulently obtained or sought to obtain reimbursements from the school system for various goods and services, including, generally, bus transportation, music equipment purchases, electronic equipment purchases, and private music lessons. The aggregate amount involved in those offenses was somewhat greater than $2,000.

Notably, the more than $11,000 in restitution that Ms Post agreed to make to the public schools, well exceeds the amount that is listed as stolen in the police’s two arrest warrants.

Ms Post had been Newtown High School’s choral director, a senior class advisor, a Drama Club advisor, and had been the director of the NHS Drama Club’s production of Show Boat.

On February 8, school officials placed Ms Post on administrative leave with pay and benefits, but then declined to comment on why Ms Post was removed from her duties as a teacher.

Ms Post started working at Newtown High School in September 2001. Ms Post’s base salary for the 2004-2005 school year was $73,339. That sum does not include stipends for her additional school duties, which added $12,000 to her salary. In August, Ms Post resigned he position retroactively to June 30.