Erin Kelly, a former Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) teacher, pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing more than $100,000.

She also pleaded not guilty to embezzlement, a misdemeanor. The theft charge is a felony.

The Rockville resident is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 7. She could face up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Kelly, 41, has been on leave from her position as Odessa Shannon Middle School team leader for alternative programs following her indictment by a grand jury for allegedly embezzling $161,000 from a studio dance from Rockville.

She pleaded guilty to stealing $161,986 between January 1, 2017 and May 31, 2022 from Dawn Crafton Dance Connection in Rockville, where she was affiliated.

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, Kelly fraudulently diverted funds from clients who were to attend the dance studio and deposited them into her personal bank account.

Kelly was indicted by a grand jury, whose members believed she “fraudulently and intentionally” stole the money “while acting in a fiduciary capacity.” Rockville Police investigated the theft.

She was the head coach this summer for the Montgomery County Special Olympics hip hop dance crew, but is no longer listed on that website.

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