A former Connecticut high school secretary was arrested for allegedly using over $40,000 in district funds to purchase items on Amazon.

Christine Vardanian was investigated by Regional School District 8 this year after the district was notified an employee may be using funds for personal benefit. The investigation determined the 56-year-old secretary had used the school district’s Amazon account to make personal purchases since 2019, according to Connecticut State Police.

Vardanian bought approximately 878 items over the five-year period, with the purchases totaling over $40,000, CSP said. The purchases allegedly ranged from protein shakes and clothing to electronics and exercise equipment.

When confronted over the findings, Vardanian offered to return the items or pay the school district back, according to CSP. She allegedly said she would “do anything to avoid police involvement,” explaining “she is the only thing her kids have.”

However, Vardanian ultimately took responsibility for the purchases, and she was fired by Regional School District 8 after the investigation concluded, CSP said. The secretary turned herself in to CSP on Wednesday and was released on $5,000 bond after receiving a larceny charge.

She is due in court on Nov. 4.

Regional School District 8 said Wednesday it takes its “fiduciary responsibilities to our sending towns very seriously.” It noted that while Vardanian was always questioned about “the need for materials and supplies when placing orders,” she justified purchases as items needed in the special education department.

“Since the discovery of the misuse of district funds, the administration has worked with a forensic auditor and made changes to its purchasing process to include a more robust system of checks and balances for ordering and justifying purchases,” the district said. “We continue to have complete confidence in the competence, dedication, and integrity of the teachers and administrators in our district.”

Regional School District 8 also said the investigation revealed Vardanian had purchased items for another employee. It noted the second employee is no longer employed by the district, and the items purchased for them were “recovered.”

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