Former Head of N.Y. District Pleads Guilty to Taking Money.

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Author: Bradley, Ann

Frank A. Tassone, the former superintendent of the Roslyn, N.Y., school district, pleaded guilty last week to two felony counts of grand larceny for his role in the alleged theft of millions of dollars from the district.

Mr. Tassone, 58, was responsible for taking some $2 million, according to Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon. The money was spent on airline travel, cruises, hotel and resort accommodations, dermatology treatments, furniture, jewelry, and meals, authorities said. Under the terms of his plea, Mr. Tassone will repay the money to the district.

A state audit of the 3,300-student district last year found $11.2 million unaccounted for. Mr. Dillon has filed criminal charges related to the alleged theft of $7.2 million of that amount. In addition to the former superintendent, the district's former assistant superintendent for business and a former account clerk have been charged with taking district money. They were scheduled to appear in court this week.

An accountant who audited the district also has been charged in the investigation, with the help of Mr. Tassone, who is cooperating with the district attorney's office. In exchange, he will serve between four and 12 years in prison rather than a longer term. He also has waived his right to an appeal.

PHOTO (COLOR): Frank A. Tassone, the former superintendent of the 3,300-student Roslyn, N.Y., school district, walks past reporters as he leaves court in Mineola, N.Y., on Sept. 26 after pleading guilty to stealing $2 million in taxpayer money from the schools. He is cooperating with the investigation and has agreed to make restitution to the district.

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By Ann Bradley