Sarah Jackson Abedelal, a former principal at a North Side elementary school who admitted stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Chicago Public Schools, has died. Her death was reported to a federal judge Wednesday, just as she was expected to be sentenced.
Abedelal, 61, had been set to appear for sentencing Tuesday morning before U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. When she did not show up, the judge issued an arrest warrant and rescheduled the hearing for Wednesday afternoon.
Defense attorney Jonathan Bedi informed Judge Ellis Wednesday that his client had died Tuesday. He did not provide details regarding the circumstances of her death.
In a statement after court, Bedi said that despite the charges, "Sarah positively impacted the educational journeys of hundreds of students." He added that "this single chapter did not define her" and that she would be "deeply missed by her family, friends and colleagues."
Prosecutors first charged Abedelal in July 2021, alleging she orchestrated a multi-year scheme beginning in 2012. Abedelal approached employees, instructing them to claim overtime they had not worked and then turn the cash over to her. She claimed the funds would cover school expenses not paid for by CPS, but later admitted using the vast majority for personal expenses.
A separate scheme involved fake purchase orders and invoices, which steered iPhones, iPads, and over $30,000 in gift cards to Abedelal. Prosecutors said she used the gift cards to purchase items including jewelry, clothing, and high-end accessories.
Prosecutors highlighted that Abedelal made at least $158,000 annually as a principal while engaged in the theft. She faced no financial pressure at the time and used the stolen money to pay off student loans, make vehicle payments, and buy home furnishings.
The case unfolded years after the kickback scandal that led to the 2015 conviction and imprisonment of former CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. Prosecutors alleged Abedelal desired "a more extravagant lifestyle" and stole from public school students to achieve it.
Several others faced related charges. Former Brennemann business manager William Jackson pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and received probation earlier this year. Former assistant principal Jennifer McBride entered a deferred-prosecution agreement that led to her charges being dismissed. Caldwell Math and Science Academy business clerk Ashley Beard pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2022 and is awaiting sentencing. Debra Bannack, who worked for a CPS vendor, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in February and is set for sentencing July 1. Charges remain pending against Anthony Rasmussen, also a vendor employee.
Bedi stated, "While charges resulted in Sarah’s plea of guilty, this single chapter did not define her. She was a wonderful friend and family member."
