Former KinderHaus Brooklyn director Murielle Misczak pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges of stealing $2.8 million from the upscale German-language day care. The 43-year-old Swiss citizen allegedly used the funds for luxury vacations, food delivery services, and professional wrestling tickets, including more than $350,000 spent on WWE events for her three children.

Ms. Misczak, earning just $40,000 annually despite refusing salary increases, allegedly made over 450 fraudulent payments to herself through PayPal accounts between 2023 and 2025. The scheme unraveled in October 2025 when founder Simona D'Souza discovered tuition deposits were being diverted to Misczak's accounts. The day care, which charges up to $48,000 per year, sued her in December for embezzlement.

The embezzlement represents a significant financial blow to KinderHaus Brooklyn, which serves approximately 100 children primarily from Swiss and German backgrounds. Prosecutors report Misczak spent all the stolen money and has no savings, facing potential deportation after losing her work visa. The case highlights vulnerabilities in financial oversight at premium educational institutions.