Fayette assistant principal Darren Handley accused of stealing money

A former Fayette County High School assistant principal was arrested Tuesday accused of stealing from the school.

Fayetteville police arrested and charged 48 year-old said Darren Handley with two counts of theft by taking fiduciary, but more charges are expected as the investigation continues.

District administrators first noticed money missing from the school’s accounts earlier this month and called police.

”Some of the instances were just very obvious, Lt. Mike Whitlow of the Fayetteville Police Department said.

Whitlow said it did not take long for the evidence to lead them to Handley.

”There’s an unspoken binding agreement that you will take care of their money legally and not steal it, and so when you violate that trust, that’s why this is a felony crime, Whitlow said.

Police said Handley had control over several accounts. They do not know exactly how much is missing yet, but what have found so far it is in the thousands.

Handley was not just the high school’s assistant principal, he was also the school’s athletic director. Police said the money he is suspected of taking came from things like ticket sales to sporting events, as well as money from boosters and school fees.

”The school system has been cooperating with the Police Department’s investigation into this matter. Mr. Handley has resigned from his position and is no longer employed by the school system, the district said in a statement.