Former Duval Teachers United Executive Pleads Guilty to Fraud

Jacksonville – Ruby George, the former executive vice president of Duval Teachers United (DTU), has pleaded guilty to serious conspiracy and fraud charges, admitting to a scheme that defrauded the teachers’ union out of more than $1.2 million from 2013 to 2022. George’s admission came during a federal court appearance on August 4, 2025, in Jacksonville’s Middle District of Florida.

George, who is 81 years old, appeared in court in a wheelchair and displayed a subdued demeanor throughout the proceedings. She formally pleaded guilty to three criminal counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, and aiding and abetting mail fraud. Judge Samuel J. Horovitz presided over the hearing, where he confirmed George’s identity, education, and mental competency, noting that she holds a master’s degree and is on 14 different prescription medications that do not impair her understanding of the court proceedings.

Under the plea agreement, George faces significant legal consequences, including a potential maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each count, as well as the forfeiture of at least $2.5 million in funds obtained through fraudulent activity. The court proceedings highlighted how George and her co-conspirator, former DTU President Teresa “Terrie” Brady, falsified leave time records to sell back leave they had not earned—an action that led to the diversion of union funds for personal gain. George admitted to keeping this scheme concealed from union auditors and officials.

The trajectory of George’s case will continue with a sentencing set approximately 75 days following the hearing, depending on the scheduling of the district court. Both George and the prosecution waived the standard 40-day appeal period, expediting her case processing.

Brady, accused of similar fraudulent activities, faces pending charges, including money laundering, which could add up to another 20 years in prison if convicted. Brady’s case is scheduled for a status conference on August 18, 2025, and the U.S. government has agreed to push her trial date to November 3, 2025, indicating that they do not intend to move forward with immediate proceedings. Brady is required to enter a plea by August 25, 2025.

George and Brady were both indicted in December 2024 on charges stemming from their leadership roles at DTU, which represents approximately 6,500 members. Their long tenure of over two decades involved serious breaches of fiduciary responsibility, wherein they abused their authority to authorize salary payments to themselves while maintaining a facade of compliance with governing boards and auditors.

In response to the fraudulent activities, the new DTU leadership has publicly condemned the actions of its former leaders, committing to cooperate fully with law enforcement in recovering the fraudulent funds and implementing further measures to prevent future misconduct. This includes hiring an independent bookkeeper and establishing increased checks and balances regarding leave days and reimbursements.

The scandal has left educators and community members feeling confused and betrayed, as many were unaware of the extensive irregularities affecting their union. The potential for George to provide “substantial assistance” to authorities in connection with Brady’s upcoming trial remains unclear, as it could influence the proceedings significantly.

This case reflects larger issues surrounding governance and ethical practices within unions, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and accountability in organizations that serve as representatives for their members. The Duval Teachers United leadership is actively working to restore trust and integrity within its community following these troubling revelations.