Former NJ School Official Gets 5 Years in Scam

A Monmouth County woman will spend five years in prison for bilking two school districts out of more than $500,000.

Michelle Pumilia of Union Beach pleaded guilty in December to official misconduct.

Pumilia worked as transportation manager for Hazlet schools from July 2005 through August 2008, then was transportation supervisor for the Piscataway School District from September 2008 until June 2012. Authorities have said she created a fictitious bus company and billed the districts for $565,000 for nonexistent services.

The 40-year-old Pumilia will serve her five-year sentence without the possibility of parole. She also must pay full restitution.

Her longtime boyfriend, Scott Callahan, is to be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to theft by deception for underreporting his income so he could receive federal disability and housing benefits.

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