Newark, California – The owner of a Newark-based charter school is facing multiple criminal charges after prosecutors alleged he stole wages and misused retirement contributions from dozens of teachers and staff members. Authorities say the case involves widespread financial misconduct affecting employees across two Bay Area schools.
According to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, 52-year-old Victor Dawson has been formally charged with several felony and misdemeanor counts related to wage theft, tax evasion, and embezzlement.
Incident Overview
Prosecutors allege that Victor Dawson, the owner of New Horizons School and principal of Mission Hills Middle School, engaged in a prolonged scheme to illegally withhold employee wages and payroll deductions.
The criminal complaint centers on actions that allegedly took place throughout 2024, impacting teachers and school staff who relied on their paychecks and retirement contributions.
Charges Filed by Prosecutors
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Dawson has been charged with the following offenses:
- Two counts of felony wage theft
- Two counts of felony tax evasion
- One count of misdemeanor tax evasion
- One count of felony embezzlement
Each charge carries potential prison time and significant financial penalties if Dawson is convicted.
Alleged Wage Theft and Embezzlement Scheme
According to court filings, Dawson is accused of committing wage theft against 47 teachers and staff members during 2024. Prosecutors allege that employees were not paid the full wages they were legally owed for their work…