Piscataway Tech principal, assistant superintendent charged with stealing

PISCATAWAY — Police on Friday arrested the principal of Piscataway Technical High School, charging him and the county vo-tech district's assistant superintendent with theft, conspiracy, burglary and money laundering.

The principal, Joseph Armstead, 47, of Washington Township in Warren County, was charged with stealing from a nonprofit organization that tutors urban youth by issuing checks to himself and Brian Bilal.

Armstead is also accused of stealing $10,000 worth of property from the nonprofit. The goods were found in a storage facility in Edison, prosecutors say. The total amount that he is accused of stealing, including using a credit card for his personal use, is $32,500.

Bilal, 47, of Dunellen, meanwhile, is accused of stealing $12,350 from the nonprofit.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said Armstead issued the checks between March 2016 and August 2017 even though neither man was employed by the nonprofit.

Armstead earns $127,000 as head of the school located on Suttons Lane. He also works for Kean University and Aspire High Youth Development in Piscataway, according to his financial disclosure statement. He could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Bilal earns $143,000, according to pension records.

Armstead is charged with two counts of third-degree theft, one count of third-degree burglary, and one count of third-degree money laundering.

Bilal is charged with third-degree theft and conspiracy to commit theft.

This is breaking news. Check back later for the latest details.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-359-5348 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.

Also on New Jersey 101.5: