The Fairfax County School Board member, Kyle McDaniel, has been sued by a local flight school for allegedly embezzling $175,000 from the company for personal expenses. McDaniel, who is also the secretary and treasurer of Blue Label Aviation, is accused of using a company credit card for entertainment, personal expenses, and campaign-related expenses. The lawsuit alleges that McDaniel paid back some of the money after being caught, but then continued to embezzle more funds. He is accused of spending the embezzled money on strip clubs, family vacations, and other luxuries, as well as using it to subsidize his campaign for office.
Blue Label Aviation claims that McDaniel used his position at the company to access its credit cards and bank accounts. In June, the company’s CEO, Timothy Fischer, confronted McDaniel with $120,000 of improper charges. McDaniel confessed to using the money and paid back $50,000. However, in December, Fischer learned that McDaniel had continued to use the company’s credit cards and bank accounts for personal expenses, racking up $160,000 in charges. McDaniel was confronted again in January and was given the opportunity to resign in exchange for giving up his shares in the company and returning his company credit cards. However, he did not comply, resulting in his termination.
The lawsuit against McDaniel is seeking $175,000 in restitution, as well as punitive damages of $350,000. The lawsuit also requests that McDaniel return his corporate credit cards and remove himself from company bank accounts. In response to the lawsuit, McDaniel stated that it is an ongoing business dispute between him and his former business partner. He expressed his intention to let the legal process play out in the courts and stated that he will not let the situation distract him from maintaining his focus on fully funding and supporting a public education system that meets the needs of the community.
Fairfax County Public Schools has acknowledged the civil lawsuit against McDaniel and stated that it is aware of the ongoing business and legal dispute. The district has indicated that it respects the legal process and will refrain from further comment at this time. The lawsuit and allegations against McDaniel have raised concerns about his actions and financial integrity as a member of the school board. As the legal process unfolds, the community will be closely monitoring the developments and outcomes of the case to ensure accountability and transparency. The allegations of embezzlement and misuse of funds have implications for McDaniel’s credibility and trustworthiness as a public official and could have potential ramifications on his position within the school board.
