Ex-Plainfield School Aide Accused of Taking Over $90K After Leaving Job, Authorities Say

A former teacher’s assistant in New Jersey is now facing criminal charges after officials say she continued receiving salary payments for nearly two years after leaving her position, raising serious concerns about oversight and misuse of public funds.

According to authorities, 43-year-old Kyna Felder-Ruiz allegedly collected more than $90,000 from the Plainfield school district despite no longer being employed there. Investigators say she resigned from her role in January 2023 but continued to receive payments well beyond her departure.

Officials claim that the payments were not simply an administrative error that went unnoticed. Instead, prosecutors allege that Felder-Ruiz took deliberate actions to ensure that the funds kept coming in, even though she was no longer working for the district. This detail has become a central part of the case, as it suggests intent rather than a passive oversight.

The issue came to light earlier this year during a routine audit conducted by the school district. In January, financial reviewers identified inconsistencies in payroll records, which ultimately led to a deeper investigation. That inquiry uncovered the continued payments and triggered legal action.

At the time the situation was discovered, Felder-Ruiz was working in a different public role. Records show she was employed as an account clerk in the City of Plainfield’s Department of Economic Development. As of the end of 2025, her reported annual salary in that position was $56,472, according to official pension data.

Following the investigation, Felder-Ruiz was formally charged with theft of mislaid property. Authorities issued her a summons, and she is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on May 26. As of now, no attorney has been listed for her in court filings related to this case.

This is not the first time Felder-Ruiz has faced legal trouble. Court records reveal a prior conviction linked to fraudulent tax activity. In 2019, she admitted to assisting in the preparation of more than 70 fraudulent tax returns while working for a tax preparation business. Although she initially faced multiple charges, she ultimately pleaded guilty to a single count and was sentenced to three years of probation.

During that earlier period, she was also employed as a firefighter in Plainfield. However, she lost that position after her guilty plea in the tax fraud case.

Local officials have not publicly commented on the latest charges. Representatives from both the Plainfield school district and the city government did not immediately respond to requests for statements.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about financial controls within public institutions, especially when it comes to payroll systems and employee separation processes. Authorities are expected to present more details as the legal proceedings move forward.

Sources:

Union County Prosecutor’s Office
Plainfield School District Audit Records
State Pension Records
Court Records of New Jersey