A former employee and two Compton Unified School District (CUSD) employees have
been arrested in connection with an alleged Medi-Cal fraud scheme after a
lengthy investigation by both the state and the school district.
The employees, who have either resigned or are in the process
of being terminated by the district, include Chavez Continuation High School
Principal Rudolph Washington, former Centennial High School Principal Jesse L. Jones,
and former Dominguez High School football coach Keith Donerson.
The alleged fraud involved bogus counseling sessions for high school students provided by a Compton area women’s medical clinic. While the investigation revealed that students were transported to the clinic without district knowledge or approval, there is no evidence that student safety was ever compromised. In fact, the students involved had no idea they were part of an alleged fraud scheme.
The school district was already investigating Washington for
alleged academic improprieties when the CA Attorney General’s Office alerted
the district it was investigating Washington and two other employees for fraud.
Upon learning that, CUSD officials immediately asked for and received the
resignation of Jones and Donerson was placed on administrative leave.
While the District’s investigation continues, there is no
evidence other District staff were involved. The District is reviewing all
internal procedures to ensure student safety.
On a personal note, it concerns me that these actions
may cause some in our community to reflect badly, even for a day or two, on the
hundreds of teachers and staff that work valiantly every day for the benefit of
our children.
