Amy McGrath, the managing director of Arizona State University Preparatory Academy, was arrested in Florida in April following an incident at a Target store where police allege she left a checkout area with nearly $970 worth of merchandise without paying.
According to an arrest report, McGrath was taken into custody April 4 in Orlando on a grand theft allegation. Her attorney disputes the accusation, saying she never intended to steal and that all merchandise remained accounted for.
The case has not resulted in formal charges, and McGrath remains presumed innocent under the law.
Incident
According to the arrest report, McGrath was observed leaving a Target store with a shopping cart containing merchandise valued at approximately $970.
The report states that she passed through anti-theft metal detectors before being stopped by officials near the store’s exit area. Investigators said surveillance footage showed McGrath holding her phone while pushing the cart beyond the detectors before being stopped before the final exit doors.
When questioned by store officials, McGrath reportedly said she intended to pay and needed to speak with her sister by phone but was having difficulty getting a signal.
She was later arrested on a grand theft charge and released after posting a $2,500 bond.
Response
McGrath’s attorney, Matthew P. Ferry, said she did not commit a crime and argued that the circumstances have been misunderstood.
In a statement provided to Arizona’s Family, Ferry emphasized that McGrath had not been formally charged and that an arrest represents an allegation rather than a finding of guilt.
He said the evidence would show that formal charges should not move forward and asked the public to avoid reaching conclusions before the legal review is complete.
Defense
According to Ferry’s statement, McGrath was shopping for Easter items for her family when the incident occurred. He said her phone battery had dropped to two percent and that she was attempting to contact her husband and twin sister.
Ferry stated that McGrath’s sister had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and that McGrath wanted to make contact before her phone lost power.
The attorney said McGrath moved toward the entrance area because she was trying to obtain a stronger cell signal. He added that she did not leave the store and that all items in the cart were accounted for.
Evidence
Ferry also said McGrath voluntarily completed a privately administered polygraph examination as part of her effort to support her account of what happened.
The examination was conducted by a retired FBI special agent who is also a certified polygraph examiner, according to the attorney’s statement.
Ferry said the results indicated that McGrath was truthful when explaining that she did not intend to take merchandise without paying and that her actions were related to trying to contact family members.
Polygraph results are not accepted as definitive evidence in every legal setting and their use can vary depending on jurisdiction and circumstances. The investigation and any potential legal proceedings will determine how the matter proceeds.
Background
McGrath serves as the managing director of Arizona State University Preparatory Academy, an organization connected with Arizona State University that provides educational programs for students.
Her attorney described her as a longtime educator, wife, and mother who has spent her career working with students and families.
The arrest has drawn attention because of her leadership position in education, although the allegations remain unresolved and no conviction has occurred.
Status
As of the latest information available, McGrath has not been formally charged. Police records show she was arrested on a grand theft allegation, while her attorney maintains that the evidence will support her explanation of the incident.
The legal process will determine whether prosecutors move forward with charges. Until then, McGrath is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
The case remains under review, and additional information may become available as authorities complete their evaluation of the evidence.
FAQs
Who is Amy McGrath?
Amy McGrath is ASU Prep’s managing director.
Why was McGrath arrested?
She was arrested over an alleged Target grand theft incident.
Was she formally charged?
No formal charges have been filed at this time.
What does her attorney say?
Her attorney says she had no intent to steal.
Where did the incident happen?
The incident happened at a Target in Orlando, Florida.
