Local Teacher Facing Allegations Of Stealing Thousands In Union Funds

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A local teacher, who is also a former school board member, is facing allegations of stealing nearly $200,000 in teacher union funds.

Ed Maritz, Jr. was union treasurer for Pine-Richland school teachers. But now he's abruptly resigned amid accusations he's stolen tens of thousands in union funds.

His father is hoping it's not true.

"We reached out to a lot of people, a former employee of Pine-Richland and she stated to us that he was on a sabbatical and he was very well liked," said Ed Maritz, Sr.

KDKA went to Maritz's McKees Rocks home Wednesday night, but no one answered the door.

Maritz is also a former member of the Sto-Rox School Board.

The PSEA, the teacher's union, hasn't responded to numerous phone calls.

But a source close to the PSEA says the accusations against Maritz include allegedly making off with $180,000 as union treasurer in the Pine-Richland School District, allegedly "fudging" audit reports to cover the trail, and resigning via text message when suspicions arose.

What would he do with that kind of money? His father can't understand, especially since he was a well-paid teacher.

"I would have no idea, that kind of money, no idea at all," said Maritz's father.

The elder Maritz admits he's been estranged from his son for the last four years, but says he's reaching out and wants to help.

"If you're any kind of person, you're a parent, you want to see your children do well and be well," he says.

A spokesman for Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala confirmed that they are investigating the allegations against Maritz.

They expect to conclude the probe in the next couple of weeks.

The Pine-Richland School District said it was unable to comment on a personnel matter.

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