Report: Private school defrauds Florida programs of $1.3M with fake students, more arrests made

LAKE CITY, Fla. (WCJB) - The sworn complaint against a private school owner in Columbia County reveals a web of alleged fraud, embezzlement, and connections to drug and human trafficking. On Thursday, Tomeka Nicole Henry, 50, of Lake City, was arrested for fraud and grand theft exceeding $1.3 million, and the next day, two of her sons were arrested.

Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies say while investigating Henry’s home, narcotics and firearms were found among her sons’ belongings. Detectives seized approximately 196.7 grams of marijuana, approximately 17.1 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 8.9 grams of cocaine, 36 fentanyl pills, 2 digital scales, and a 9mm handgun. Samuel L. Phillips, 18, and Kurtis L. Phillips, 31, are charged with drug and weapon offenses.

Touch By an Angel Learning Academy, a daycare and private school located on North U.S. Highway 441 in the Five Points area of Columbia County, received funding from two state-funded programs, the Early Learning Coalition and the Step Up for Students Program.

TV20 spoke with Columbia County Commissioner Ron Williams who said he has been by the school multiple times in the past several weeks as part of his campaign. The school appeared empty when he visited.