Three Louisiana Principals From the Same Parish Arrested on Felony Theft Charges

A whopping three principals from Caddo Parish have been arrested over the last several days for felony theft.

The latest came on Wednesday afternoon when Bridget Bridges was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center. She has since bonded out, according to Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office Corporal Ty Moore-King.

Bridges is among three principals in the parish who have been implicated in alleged thefts from their respective schools.

Bridges, the former principal at North Highlands Elementary, was interviewed last week by the Caddo Parish Sheriff's financial crimes unit.

BRIDGET BRIDGES

The investigation has already led to the arrest of two other principals -- Queensborough Elementary's Marco French and former Werner Park Elementary principal Raquel Fuggins-Mock.

Both were arrested last month on felony theft charges. They also both are free on bond pending prosecution.

A parish-wide financial audit uncovered thousands of dollars in misappropriated funds from each principal's schools. According to the audit, all of the allegedly stolen money has been recouped by the schools.

"Internal audits are conducted regularly to make sure schools are in compliance with Board policies and district accounting procedures," said Caddo Parish Schools Superintendent T. Lamar Goree.

"The district's rigorous internal controls led to the discovery of inconsistencies with financial reporting. The findings of internal and external audits were reported to the Louisiana Board of Ethics, the legislative auditor and local law enforcement and immediate action was taken at the district level. In addition, Caddo Parish Public Schools will continue collaborating with law enforcement throughout the duration of this investigation. The district remains dedicated to enhancing financial practices that will support the educational needs of our students."

According to the audit, Bridges received $1,632 in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund money for "services not conducted." She resigned her job as North Highlands principal on June 9, 2023.

RAQUEL FUGGINS-MOCK

According to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Fuggins-Mock is accused of purchasing sound equipment, gift cards, and other items that could not be accounted for. The total amount of items purchased with misappropriated funds came out to $3,007.

MARCO FRENCH

The audit found that French received over $2,600. That amount included $1,012 in Title I funding that was earmarked for Saturday morning tutoring as well as other reimbursements for travel expenses and purchasing items from a company with which he was personally associated.

There is good news for the three principals. Caddo District Attorney James Steward told Shreveport TV station KTBS that the principals will likely be eligible for pretrial diversion. This is an option where charges are dismissed if defendants stay out of trouble and meet certain criteria such as restitution and undergo counseling.