The former principal of a Canoga Park charter school, who allegedly mishandled some $2.7 million in public funds, pleaded not guilty Friday to 31 charges of embezzlement, forgery and money laundering filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

Edward Fiszer, 40, the founding principal of NEW Academy Canoga Park charter school was indicted by a grand jury on Sept. 29.

The grand jury charged the former administrator with theft by embezzlement of public funds, forgery, theft by a public officer, 26 counts of money laundering and two counts of state tax fraud, officials said.

According to the charges, Fiszer mishandled $2.7 million, including transferring $1.1 million in school funds into

USC to inaugurate new president today

by Daily News Wire Services
C.L. Max Nikias will be inaugurated as USC's 11th president today, more than two months after assuming the position.