Posted on 02/11/2007 12:27:11 PM PST by NormsRevenge
Khadijah Ghafur sat silently in hijab and correctional jumpsuit, facing a judge, a lengthy prison term and the complete collapse of her elaborate plans.
With a boundless determination that opened eyes and pockets, Sister Khadijah had built a chain of state-funded charter schools that stretched from Sunnyvale to Southern California. Now they were closed, and the self-styled civil rights activist from Selma, Ala., was convicted of stealing tens of thousands of dollars of public money meant for kids.
Superior Court Judge R.L. Putnam got right to the point. He sentenced her to 14 years. But even after Ghafur's monthlong trial, one mystery was never fully explained:
Where did the money go?
The answer could lie in evidence never introduced in court. The Mercury News has learned of several overseas fund transfers, a mysterious letter and a web of connections between Ghafur and an obscure Pakistani cleric known as Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Gilani.
Supporters say Gilani is a charitable teacher and spiritual leader who promotes self-improvement. But over the years, state and federal authorities have described him as the head of an international terrorist group who draws financial support from followers in the United States.
--snip--
``I'm -- pathetically -- a person that loves to help people,'' she said with a smile.
Moments later, Ghafur seemed to find bitter irony in the prospect of a long prison term.
``I was a Girl Scout. I was a good, all-American girl,'' she said, half laughing. Then, she grew serious and paced back and forth across the jailhouse floor. ``Now, this is my fate.''
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Khadijah Ghafur, 56, the founder of GateWay, a controversial group of charter schools, was convicted and given a 14-year prison sentence for grand theft involving government funds and private financing on Aug. 24, 2006.
Not to worry - she'll be out on the street in 4 or 5 years (maybe sooner)!
I was a Girl Scout. I was a good, all-American girl....
Well she sure doesn't look like one now. If she is is out in 4 or 5 years that is a not justice to me. She ought to serve her full term.
ping
``I was a Girl Scout. I was a good, all-American girl,
&&
Well, I guess the devil got to you, girlfriend.
I wonder how many American killings were financed by the money she stole.
Interesting. The rather long article relates all of the irregularites and misrepresentations that were found in the perp's school records. Whether or not the missing money went to fund terrorism, there clearly was theft and fraud involved here. Yet the Mercury News chose this subheadline:
DID SCHOOL MONEY FUND EXTREMISTS OR IS THIS ACTIVIST A VICTIM OF PREJUDICE?
Al fuqra ping.
Keep in mind the Merc was also out front reportinhg allegations about alleged CIA involvement in fomenting the crack crisis in LA.
I guess I could add a question mark to the comment I added in parens. The byline you pose the question to was too long to squeeze in so I took some creative license in what was added on.
Hi,
trust me and I'll kill your Father, Mother, Brother, and Sister too.
Peace out Yo.
She was always such a nice girl around the neighborhood. /s
``I was a Girl Scout. I was a good, all-American girl,**
Then I fell for the Rev. Farrakhans hate inspired tripe.
Give her 5 years and serve her nothing but goat meat.
Thanks!
Sister looks like a Girl Scout straight out of hell.
She came knocking on my door trying to sell cookies I wouldn't open it.
This story is similar to one in Phlly a few years ago: grant money for a school was scammed into the pockets of a local Imam's wife, both of them Black American converts.
THIS HAS DISUADED ME FROM ANY SUPPORT FOR "FAITH-BASED" PROVIDERS.
Sean Webby and SJ Merc are the only newspaper that has honestly researched this story, and it's many intricate entanglements. They have done an excellent job covering and researching this story, since the beginning.
Finally, the justice system and some of the MSM catch up with Free Republic. We had this B$tch nailed shortly after 9/11.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.