Union County Woman Arrested on Charges of Theft of Funds from Academy for Allied Health Sciences

A Clark woman was arrested following a months-long investigation into the theft of funds from the Parent School Alliance account at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains. Kathy O'Neil, 52, was charged after an investigation that began more than six months ago when police were notified of missing funds.

Union County Life covers public safety and law enforcement news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

The investigation began on January 14, 2026, according to officials. The Parent School Alliance is a parent-run volunteer organization that supports students at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences, part of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS). Det. Rodrigues led the inquiry and determined that O'Neil, who served as the organization's treasurer during the 2024–2025 school year, had sole access to the account.

The investigation revealed numerous questionable transactions, including ATM and teller withdrawals, online purchases, and other expenditures unrelated to the organization's purpose. In total, approximately $29,000 was found to be missing from the account.

O'Neil has been charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and third-degree Credit Card Fraud. She turned herself in to Union County Police on July 23, 2026, was processed, and released pending a Union County Superior Court appearance scheduled for August 27, 2026.

If convicted on both charges, O'Neil faces a potential sentence of three to five years of imprisonment on each charge, along with fines, restitution, and court assessments.

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FAQ

Q: Was someone arrested for theft from Academy for Allied Health Sciences?
A: Yes. Kathy O'Neil, 52, of Clark, was arrested following a months-long investigation into the theft of approximately $29,000 from the Parent School Alliance account at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains.

Q: How long did the investigation take?
A: The investigation began on January 14, 2026, and lasted more than six months before O'Neil's arrest on July 23, 2026.

Q: What was Kathy O'Neil's role at the school organization?
A: O'Neil served as treasurer of the Parent School Alliance, a parent-run volunteer organization that supports students at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences, during the 2024–2025 school year. She had sole access to the account.

Q: How much money was stolen?
A: Approximately $29,000 was found to be missing from the Parent School Alliance account.

Q: What types of unauthorized transactions were found?
A: The investigation revealed ATM withdrawals, teller withdrawals, online purchases, and other expenditures unrelated to the organization's purpose.

Q: What charges was O'Neil charged with?
A: O'Neil was charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and third-degree Credit Card Fraud.

Q: When is O'Neil's court appearance?
A: O'Neil's court appearance is scheduled for August 27, 2026, in Union County Superior Court.

Q: What is the potential sentence?
A: If convicted on both charges, O'Neil faces 3–5 years of imprisonment on each charge, plus fines, restitution, and court assessments.