Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the arrest of Fannie Bowe, 54, of Bellport, who is accused of misusing her union-issued debit card to make unauthorized personal purchases and withdrawals of more than $20,000, while serving as treasurer of the Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates Union.
“This defendant is alleged to have violated the trust of her colleagues, the hard-working educational professionals of the South Country Central School District,” said District Attorney Tierney. “One of Suffolk County’s greatest assets is its outstanding educational system, and my office is committed to prosecuting those who would seek to unlawfully profit by stealing from any entity that contributes to the system.”
According to the investigation, Bowe was elected as treasurer of the Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates since October 2020, while also being employed as a School Monitor for the South Country Central School District. Between July 2021 to January 2023, Bowe allegedly repeatedly misused her union-issued debit credit card over an 18-month period, to make more than $2,500 in unauthorized purchases and $18,000 in unauthorized ATM withdrawals.
She also allegedly submitted multiple false treasurer reports to the Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates executive board to conceal and disguise her unlawful conduct. Bowe’s misuse was uncovered after union officials noticed and questioned expenses on reports she submitted to the union.
The Bellport Teachers Association Affiliates is a local union for Teachers Assistants and School Aides employed by the South Country Central School District, and its funding is generated by member dues.
On September 15, 2023, Bowe was arraigned before District Court Judge, the Honorable Bernard Cheng for the charges of one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and two counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, Class E felonies. She faces two and one third to seven years in prison if convicted.
Judge Cheng ordered the defendant released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is September 21, 2023, and she is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katharine D’Aquila of the Public Corruption Bureau with the investigative assistance from Suffolk County District Attorney Investigator Brian Wood of the Public Corruption Squad.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
