Former NJ teacher stole student fees to fund gambling addiction, report states

WILLINGBORO — A former high school football coach has been sentenced to jail time after pleading guilty to stealing approximately $14,500 in student funds to support his gambling addiction, according to a recent report.

Reginald Lawrence, 47, of Mount Laurel, who worked as a coach and teacher at Willingboro High School, was sentenced to 364 days in jail, according to the Burlington County Times. The article states that Lawrence pleaded guilty to third degree misapplication of entrusted property in connection with the theft of $14,500 in activity fees paid by students. Police told the Burglington County Times that Lawrence was arrested on April 15 for theft by deception after it was discovered that the money was missing.

The article states that Lawrence, a teacher for 16 years and coach at multiple New Jersey schools, will be required to forfeit his right to public employment in the state, and go to counseling for gambling addiction. The state has also agreed not to pursue official misconduct charges against him in connection with the theft, according to the story.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.