Johnston teacher charged with embezzlement after cashing checks meant for school in his name in Rhode Island

A high school teacher in Rhode Island has been charged with embezzlement after allegedly putting his name on checks meant for school activities.

WPRI-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1NLi8aE) 57-year-old Johnston High School science teacher Greg Russo was arraigned Friday on two counts of forgery and one count of embezzlement.

Police say Russo wrote his name on several checks meant for school activities and cashed them. They declined to say how much money was involved or what school activities the money was destined for.

The station said Russo did not respond to requests for comment and the school district declined to comment other than to say the longtime teacher has been suspended with pay.

Russo is due back in court in February.