Woman Accused of Stealing $4,000 from Elementary Book Fair

FARMINGTON TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A 56-year-old former North Clarion County School District elementary library aide faces felony theft charges after allegedly taking over $4,000.00 from a school book fair last year.

According to court documents filed with Magisterial District Judge Timothy P. Schill, Jacqueline G. Brown, of Tionesta, has been charged with third-degree felony theft by unlawful taking related to missing funds from a February 2024 Scholastic Book Fair.

Marienville-based State Police Trooper Bradley Fornwalt says Brown, who had overseen the book fair for the last few years, insisted on delivering $4,075.95 in proceeds to the school’s financial office on February 9, 2024. According to the criminal complaint, the money was never received, and the theft was discovered in June 2024 when the school was contacted by Scholastic Book Fair.

The investigation began on January 29, 2025, when school administrators contacted State Police in Marienville. Officials told investigators they had collected the money each day of the book fair and kept it secure until Brown insisted on delivering it herself, the complaint continues.

According to the complaint, during a July 3, 2024 meeting with school officials and a teachers’ union representative, Brown initially denied taking the money but later admitted fault and agreed to make restitution, police say. The school had Brown sign a confession of judgment stating she would repay the money.

The complaint states that Brown made one payment of $399.66 through a check from her husband in October 2024. The check’s memo line read “Jackie J. Brown Insurance,” and Brown’s husband told investigators she had called him claiming the payment was for insurance. Her husband reported that Brown had moved out of their house last summer.

Police say Brown has since moved to Pittsburgh, and attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful, the complaint indicates.

North Clarion Superintendent Steve Young confirmed to exploreClarion.com that Brown is no longer an employee of the district.