Former Miami-Dade School Vice Chair Lubby Navarro has pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft in the third degree and admitted she used school board money in 2022 for personal expenses including Apple, Amazon and Gucci. She was also accused of buying appliances for her boyfriend's restaurant and a fake pregnancy belly.
Today she apologized in front of a judge.
"It is a day that I thought would never be coming in my life, but I stand here before you, as you just read, and I just accepted full responsibility for my actions of this case. I want to begin by apologizing to the children of Miami-Dade County Public Schools for which I had the honor that was bestowed on me for eight years. I want to apologize to the school board, my former colleagues on that school board and also Miami-Dade County Public Schools, all of its employees from all of my actions that were taken during this time and I believe I can now begin to put this behind me and serve the time that I have accepted to be able to repair and and apologize sincerely to my entire community for all of my actions."
She agreed to spend 14 months in prison, followed by probation and to pay back more than $100,000. Additional grand theft and organized fraud charges have been dropped.
An attorney for Miami-Dade Public Schools is satisfied: "Public school funding is sacred. It's the community's investment in its own future. As such, the School Board would like to commend the Office of Inspector General for conducting a thorough and professional investigation. Further recognize the State Attorney's Office and law enforcement for the diligence and skill with which this case was handled. The work of these agencies sends a clear message that those who commit crimes against public institutions will be held accountable."
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle released this statement after the guilty plea: "Public officials are in positions of authority and trust to ensure the safety and the quality of life for those who live in our community, not to utilize public monies for their personal benefit. Rather than seeking to avoid the consequences of her actions, Lubby Navarro has admitted her guilt and has accepted her sentence which includes imprisonment. Let there be no doubt that I and my public corruption team of prosecutors and investigators will continue ensuring that our government operates for the people of Miami-Dade County, not for the financial benefit of those holding office or position."
Navarro agreed to turn herself in today to begin serving her sentence.