A Wake County Public Schools counselor was arrested this week on theft charges including felony larceny.

GAYLA ELLIS HOLLINGSWORTH

Name: Gayla Ellis Hollingsworth
[a.k.a Gayla Lashawn Hollingsworth]
Age: 50
Charge(s): Felony Larceny (Class H Felony), Obtain property under false pretenses (Class C Felony)
Charge Type(s): (View Sentencing Chart)
Arrest Date: April 22, 2024
Bond Details: $3,000 unsecured, posted.

Victim /Case Details: 

Per the arrest warrant, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office:

1. Offense: FEF – FELONY LARCENY Charging Text For This Count On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did steal, take and carry away Miscellaneous items of jewelry and cash , the personal property of Avalon Perry , such property having a value of 2,234.59

Count 2. Offense: FEF – OBTAIN PROPERTY FALSE PRETENSE Charging Text For This Count On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did knowingly and designedly, with the intent to cheat and defraud, obtain 2,134.59 dollars from Jewel Recycle Pawn shop by means of a false pretense which was calculated to deceive and did deceive. The false pretense consisted of the following: Took stolen items of precious jewelry belonging to the victim and sold it to Jewel Recycle pawn shop.

District: Wake County Public Schools
Current Role: Counselor at SCORE Academy (Became a counselor as of Oct. 2017)
History: Original position – Teacher. Hired in 1997.
Employment status: Suspended.

Statement from District: No official statement issued at this time.
Message to families of SCORE Academy:

SCORE Academy families,
To keep you informed, I want to share information about an incident involving a staff member that you may see in the media.
We have learned that counselor Gayla Hollingsworth has been arrested and charged with obtaining property under false pretenses and felony larceny. Law enforcement has confirmed the incident was not school-related.
While privacy laws prevent me from providing much information about the situation, I can share that the employee is suspended.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact our front office at 919-694-8560 . Thank you for your continued support of our school.
Yours,

Jody Hinds
Principal

NC Teacher License Information: 

License Number: 759373
Name: HOLLINGSWORTH, GAYLA LASHAWN
License Type: Educator
License Status: Current
Expiration Date: 06/30/2025
Effective Date: 07/01/2020
License Area(s): School Counselor, English 9-12, Academically or Intellectually Gifted