Embezzlement Allegations Against Former Bookkeeper at Cornerstone Christian School Revealed Through Federal Filing

A federal court plea agreement has uncovered significant financial misconduct at Cornerstone Christian School in Bellevue, Nebraska, following concerns raised by parents years earlier. The agreement reveals that former bookkeeper Joya Kinney embezzled over $452,000 from the school between 2016 and 2023. The school subsequently fired Kinney and pursued legal action against her for misappropriating funds.

Parents who had previously raised concerns about the school’s bookkeeping practices found their worries validated through the federal filing. Mike Knebel, a former student parent, stated that the plea agreement confirmed the bookkeeper’s fraudulent actions. “It makes me absolutely upset that while families are struggling to make ends meet, she was using the funds we paid, for her own personal benefit,” Knebel said.

The plea agreement details several instances of financial misuse. Kinney used $90,000 from the school’s funds for unauthorized Amazon purchases, $94,000 to pay personal credit card charges, and an additional amount for a vending machine company. Another $190,000 was directed to Kinney’s personal business account instead of being used for student education. These actions highlight a serious breach of trust and accountability.

Knebel, who paid $40,000 in tuition and fundraising for two children who attended the school during the period of embezzlement, expressed frustration over the misuse of funds. “To know it was going to pay off personal debts, and other non-legitimate expenses is very frustrating,” he said. The parents’ concerns were not only about financial loss but also about the integrity of the institution they entrusted with their children’s education.

Kinney’s attorney confirmed that she accepts full responsibility for her actions and has filed a petition for an advance payment of $80,000 in restitution before her sentencing in September. The plea agreement requires Kinney to repay the full $452,000 embezzled from the school. “We’re called as Christians to forgive, but the sinner is called to repentance, and a necessary part of repentance is repayment of the funds,” said Angela Lewman, another parent involved in the case.

Though neither parent currently has a child enrolled at Cornerstone Christian School, they hope the incident serves as a lesson in financial oversight and accountability. The school’s legal representative declined to comment on the matter, leaving the broader implications of the case to be addressed by the institution’s leadership. The case underscores the importance of transparency and ethical stewardship in organizations that serve minors, aligning with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and uphold justice. Micah 6:8 reminds us that we are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

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