Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Thursday that her office has secured an indictment against a Florida man accused of stealing taxpayer money through Arizona's school voucher program.
Kris Mayes revealed that a state grand jury indicted Adam Jones on theft and fraud charges. According to her office, Jones illegally collected funds from Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program between 2022 and 2024 by submitting applications for children who didn't exist.
The indictment represents the latest case Mayes has brought against individuals who have exploited the ESA program.
"Yet again, a grand jury of everyday Arizonans has indicted a fraudster and thief for stealing taxpayer dollars through the ESA voucher program," said Oscar de los Santos, an Arizona House Democrat and former public school teacher. "Republicans are letting CRIMINALS steal our hard-earned taxpayer dollars."
ESA Program
The ESA program provides Arizona parents with between $7,000 and $8,000 per year for their children's education, rather than attending public schools. Families can use these state funds for private school tuition, online classes, textbooks, and other approved expenses.
Arizona launched the program in 2011 and has since expanded it to become "universal," meaning any Arizona family can now apply.
Recent Issues
However, recent reports indicate that wealthy families receive ESA funds at significantly higher rates than low-income families, despite promises that the program would help disadvantaged students. Communities with higher incomes claim a disproportionate share of scholarships.
Low-income families face numerous barriers, including a lack of awareness, transportation challenges, and private school tuition costs that often exceed the scholarship amount.
Mayes's prosecution of Jones highlights growing concerns about fraud in the rapidly expanding program and raises questions about the accountability measures in place to protect taxpayer dollars.
