Ex-Pine-Richland Teacher, Treasurer Arraigned on Theft Charges

A former Pine-Richland school teacher, who also served at the district’s education association treasurer, has been charged with stealing funds from the group.

Edward J. Maritz, 44, was arraigned today on charges including theft, receiving stolen property, forgery and tampering with records, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was released on $25,000 unsecured bail and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 18, the Post-Gazette reported.

According to court documents, Maritz admitted to the Pennsylvania State Education Association in September to keeping members’ dues for himself, the Post-Gazette said. He was hired as a middle school teacher in Pine-Richland in August 2009.

Maritz admitted to misappropriating the money beginning in June 2010 in an email to the State Education Association and included a spreadsheet detailing each withheld check, the Post-Gazette reported.

Maritz told Allegheny County authorities he is a pathological gambler and the misappropriated funds were spent on lottery tickets and at the Rivers casino, according to the Post-Gazette.

For more on this story, visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette