Plum suspends teacher accused of burglary, corruption of minors
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The Plum School District placed a teacher on leave after police charged him with felony burglary and tampering with evidence in connection to an incident in January, officials said.
Michael Richard Verrico, 47, who teaches physical education at Oblock Junior High School, is accused of burglary, theft, criminal mischief and tampering or fabricating physical evidence of a crime, court records show.
He is accused of burglarizing a neighbor’s home with the help of his wife and a 17-year-old.
The alleged crime happened on Jan. 1, 2019, with Verrico also facing a misdemeanor charge of corruption of minors, records show.
The wife, Heather Verrico, 33, faces felony burglary charges and misdemeanor charges of theft, criminal mischief and tampering with evidence in connection with the same incident. She is not charged with corruption of minors.
Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel said late Monday that he spoke with police Chief Lanny Conley about the incident.
The Verricos are accused of stealing sheets, a washing machine, five suits and a broom, according to Schlegel.
Police filed both sets of charges last week, and Plum school officials addressed them publicly for the first time Monday afternoon.
“After reviewing the (criminal) complaint, the alleged incident occurred outside the scope of the individual’s professional duties and is no way related to any district responsibilities,” district Spokeswoman Charlene Payne said in a statement.
Payne did not specify whether the leave was paid or unpaid nor what other steps the district could take against Michael Verrico.
“The Plum Borough School District will take every step possible to maintain the health, safety and welfare of our students and staff,” Payne said. “Because this complaint is unrelated to the district, the district will have no further comment on this matter and directs all inquiries to the Plum Borough Police Department.”
Michael and Heather Verrico are awaiting preliminary hearings before Plum District Judge Linda Zucco.
Court records do not cite an attorney for either defendant.
Plum police could not be reached for comment late Monday.