Former Catholic school principal accused of embezzling "milk money" faces hearing next week

Lincoln Park (WXYZ) - A former Catholic school principal accused of stealing money from the school he led is scheduled to see his case go before a judge next week.  

Thomas Caruso was principal at Christ the Good Shepherd Elementary School in Lincoln Park for almost 20 years-- from 1990 until 2010.

Then an audit raised questions. 

The Archdiocese of Detroit tells 7 Action News it found financial inconsistencies on the books between 2002 and 2010. The church found someone had taken more than $50,000 in federal money meant for the purchase of milk for students and other needs.   

Michigan State Police investigated and arrested Caruso in 2011. He was released on bond after being charged with embezzlement.

The next hearing is a disposition conference where both sides talk about a possible resolution or deal. It is scheduled for Tuesday at Wayne County Circuit Court.

“It would be nice to see the money come back to the school,” said Bonnie Karp, the parent of a student at the school.

Parents have watched Catholic schools consolidate recently.  Since Caruso left Christ the Good Shepherd Elementary, it consolidated with three others and is now called John Paul II Catholic School.

Seven Action News spoke to Caruso and his attorney on the phone. They both had no comment.