OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department has announced the arrest of Othello School District teacher and Othello Education Association Treasurer Lena Jenson on suspicion of misappropriation of union funds.

Jenson, 50, was arrested on September 30 on suspicion of Theft in the First Degree (RCW 9A.56.030).

OPD’s investigation into Jenson began “after concerns were reported regarding financial activity involving the association’s bank account,” according to an OPD press release. Detectives identified numerous transactions that they believed warranted further investigation. Those transactions allegedly involved transfers, payments, and other transactions that were “unrelated to association business.”

The investigation is ongoing. The scope of the misappropriation of funds is not yet fully known. “Due to the volume of financial records involved, a final loss amount has not yet been determined,” the release said.

OPD stresses that the funds involved belonged to the Othello Education Association, the union representing Othello’s teachers, and not to the Othello School District.

Jenson was selected as the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 K-6 Educator of the Year. She teachers at Hiawatha Elementary.

This is a developing story, and we will update it as more information becomes available.