Overview

• Sarah Jackson Abedelal, former principal of Brennemann Elementary School, was found dead on the day of her rescheduled sentencing hearing for wire fraud charges.
• Abedelal pleaded guilty nearly three years ago to a scheme involving falsified overtime and supply orders, diverting over $200,000 for personal expenses.
• Prosecutors had sought a 38-month prison sentence, citing the misuse of funds critical to Chicago Public Schools' operations.
• Her death was announced in court by her attorney, and the case will be dismissed once her death certificate is verified, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
• Abedelal’s actions were part of broader corruption investigations within CPS, echoing earlier scandals involving high-ranking officials.