By Howard Koplowitz
Mia Peebles-Anderson, 37, the assistant principal of PS 270 in Rosedale, was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and possession of a forgery device Jan. 17, a spokeswoman for Queens DA Richard Brown said. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges, the spokeswoman said.Peebles-Anderson's 38-year-old husband, Matthew Anderson, was arrested on the same charges in federal court.A search warrant of the Anderson home found 35 fake $10 bills that were missing security features, according to the criminal complaint. A computer, multi-use printer and fine linen paper were also found in the living room, which were allegedly used to make the phony money, the complaint said.PS 270 is a K-8 school at 233-15 Merrick Blvd. in Rosedale. Peebles-Anderson started the school year at PS 270, following a four-year stint as assistant principal at PS 147 in Cambria Heights, according to a city Department of Education spokeswoman.A woman who answered the phone at PS 270 Principal Eleanor Andrew's office said the principal had no comment on Peebles-Anderson's arrest.The DA spokeswoman said Peebles-Anderson would be assigned to the DOE's administrative office in Manhattan after her arraignment.A woman who picked up the phone of PS 147 Principal Anne Cohen's office also said the principal would not discuss the arrest.”Ms. Cohen has told us to tell any press representatives that she has no comment,” the woman said.Peebles-Anderson was arraigned Jan. 18 before Queens Criminal Court Judge William Harrington, who released Peebles-Anderson without bail. Her next court date was scheduled for Feb. 1, according to the DA spokeswoman.Exactly how much money was produced by the couple could not be made public because the forgery investigation was ongoing, the DA spokeswoman said.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
