Former Charlotte Catholic High School principal pleads guilty to forgery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The former principal of Charlotte Catholic High School pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of forgery.

A prosecutor said the state will recommend probation and not prison for Jerry Healy, who entered the plea Friday morning in federal court.

Prosecutors said Healy embezzled more than $160,000 from the high school and its foundation over seven years by writing checks to himself and having his assistant do the same.

Read our past coverage:

• Charlotte Catholic letter states former principal used money from accounts
• Charlotte Catholic principal resigns after allegations of misuse of funds
• Letter: Funds at Charlotte Catholic may have been used improperly

Healy didn't comment as he left court Friday, but a friend who was there to support him said he had done a lot of good while he was at the school.

"You have to take into consideration all the good he's done. To me that's what really matters," Father Richard Bellow said. "I've known him for many, many years as a very, very good person, that's all I have to say."

Another supporter handed out a statement on Healy's behalf, saying: "Jerry Healy is deeply sorry for his actions and the hurt and disappointment he caused" and that in 44 years with the Catholic school system, "he transformed the lives of countless students and families with his guidance, generosity and compassion."

In a statement of its own, the Charlotte Catholic Diocese said:

<em>The findings of the U.S. Attorney of mishandling of funds belonging to the Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation is an unfortunate incident that will not impact the instruction, tuition or fees of Charlotte Catholic High School students or any Mecklenburg Area Catholic School.</em>

<em> </em><em>The Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation is an independent organization that is not managed, administered or controlled by the Diocese of Charlotte.</em>

<em> </em><em>As we approach the Year of Mercy, as designated by Pope Francis, we as Catholics ask for prayers for all who were hurt by this unfortunate situation.</em>

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