Local

Charlotte Catholic principal resigns after allegations of misuse of funds

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Channel 9 was first to report that Charlotte Catholic Principal Jerry Healy was under investigation in March.  At that time he was accused of improper use of funds related to an outside group called the Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation. 
 
The independent organization raises money for the school.

The diocese of Charlotte launched an investigation and placed Healy on paid leave.  He kept that status until his resignation Tuesday.
 
The diocese said an independent audit found what it calls "questionable disbursements" of money from accounts that include school funds. 
 
It's not known yet what irregularities, if any, were found in connection with the separate Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation.
 
Many parents were upset about the resignation of the longtime principal. Some believe the school is making a bigger deal of it than it should.
 
Healy has been with Mecklenburg area Catholic schools for more than 40 years and principal at Charlotte Catholic since 2003.
 
Channel 9 went by his south Charlotte home Wednesday afternoon to speak with him, but no one came to the door.
 
The school sent a letter home to Charlotte Catholic parents Wednesday telling them of Healy's resignation.
 
Channel 9 obtained a copy of Healy's personal resignation letter to the superintendent from his lawyer Wednesday afternoon.
 
He said serving students is "one of the greatest joys of my life" and "I regret any turmoil and upset that has caused distraction."
 
Healy wrote to alumni and said, "Charlotte Catholic will always be a place where their values are supported."
 
Parents like Tom Stapleton were saddened by the news.
 
"I think for our kids and everybody associated with the school, everyone's disappointed," he said.
 
Others said they couldn't believe Healy had any bad intent.
 
"I think maybe whatever happened was not intentional," a woman said.
 
Healy's attorney Missy Owen told Channel 9 she did not have any additional comments.
 
Channel 9 was told the diocese of Charlotte does not plan to prosecute Healy.
 
Officials are looking for his replacement and hope to fill the position as soon as possible.

Read past coverage: