Feb 6, 2010 1:57 pm US/Eastern

N.J. Teacher Admits Cash-For-Grades Scheme

TRENTON (CBS) ?A former social studies teacher in New Jersey has admitted pocketing "charitable donations" from students looking to improve their grades.

Megan Laboy of Howell pleaded guilty Friday to theft by deception, admitting she received between $200 and $500 in donations from her Colts Neck High School students during the 2008-2009 school year.

The youths were told they would receive extra credit for the donations and that the cash would go to charities. But the 30-year-old Laboy instead kept the money for herself.

The school is located at 59 5 Points Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722-1781.

Under a plea deal with Monmouth County prosecutors, Laboy will likely get probation when she's sentenced May 14. She'll also be barred from holding public employment or office in New Jersey.

Laboy had worked for the Freehold Regional High School District since 2001, but has since resigned.

Megan Laboy