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Former official at Bok High charged in theft from school

The former school operations officer at Bok High School in South Philadelphia has been charged with stealing more than $25,000 in school funds.

The former school operations officer at Bok High School in South Philadelphia has been charged with stealing more than $25,000 in school funds.

Zara Sims, 41, who surrendered Thursday, was arrested on nine charges, including forgery, theft by deception, and receiving stolen property, in the theft of cash and checks from Bok's student activities accounts.

The district's inspector general's office began investigating and ordered an audit after Bok administrators discovered accounts were missing funds after Sims was laid off from the district in June.

John F. Downs, the district's inspector general, said he referred the case to the Police Department's Major Crimes Division.

Sims, who was released on personal recognizance Thursday, could not be reached for comment.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 27.