BRISTOL -- The superintendent of Liberty County Schools turned herself in to the local sheriff’s office Wednesday after being charged with grand theft, official misconduct and failing to disclose information in a public records request, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Gloria Gay Uzzell, 51, is accused of opening a credit card in the name of the Liberty County School Board, and using the card for personal purchases including clothing, lodging, lingerie, fuel, beauty supplies and alcohol. The school board was unaware of the personal purchases, which amounted to more than $2,000, according to FDLE.
Investigators believe Uzzell, who was elected superintendent in November, altered credit card statements. She allegedly blacked out personal purchases and changed travel vouchers to match her credit card purchases.
The state attorney’s office will prosecute the case.
Uzzell is a former Teacher of the Year in Bay County, according to her Liberty County Schools online profile.