Former Sussex Central principal charged with forgery, official misconduct

SUSSEX CO., Del. – A former Sussex Central High School principal has been charged after an investigation revealed that she falsified overtime payments for a paraprofessional.

Between April 4, 2022, and May 30, 2023, 46-year-old Judith Brittingham allegedly arranged to have an Indian River School District paraprofessional paid overtime for in-home tutoring services that were performed during school hours. Brittingham submitted paperwork that claimed 159 false overtime shifts, resulting in more than $15,000 in undue overtime pay to the paraprofessional. Officials say the overpayments came to light after the district reportedly learned that Brittingham had a romantic relationship with the paraprofessional in 2024. When officials notified Brittingham that they would both be subjected to an investigation by the District, Brittingham disclosed the payments.

The false overtime filings also resulted in overpayment of mileage reimbursements to the paraprofessional. The paraprofessional was legitimately entitled to some reimbursement for his drive to the student’s home, the mileage reimbursement he received was allegedly measured from his home in Laurel rather than from Sussex Central High School, leading to an overpayment of just over $600.

Investigators say they believe Brittingham submitted reimbursement forms on behalf of the paraprofessional without his knowledge or consent.

Brittingham was charged on March 19th with official misconduct, theft, forgery, and related offenses.