A New Jersey woman has been accused of stealing more than $50,000 from the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) of her child’s elementary school.
According to prosecutors, the woman, who served as the PTO treasurer, allegedly misused her position and took the money for personal use over time.
The woman, a 41-year-old resident of Gloucester County, was arrested and is now facing theft and forgery charges. She had been handling the financial responsibilities for the PTO at Wedgwood Elementary School in Washington Township.
Authorities said the missing funds were discovered during a routine review of the PTO’s financial records, which revealed several unauthorized transactions.
Investigators claim that the theft occurred between May 2022 and September 2023. During this time, the treasurer reportedly wrote checks to herself and used the PTO’s debit card for personal expenses. These expenses included cash withdrawals and purchases unrelated to school activities.
After the discrepancies were noticed, members of the PTO contacted the Washington Township Police Department, who then launched an investigation. The woman was taken into custody and later released pending court proceedings.
Parents at the school expressed anger and disappointment, especially since the money was intended to support student activities, school events, and educational supplies. Many said they trusted the treasurer and never suspected anything suspicious.
The Washington Township School District released a statement acknowledging the situation and confirming that the PTO is a separate entity from the school’s official operations.
They emphasized that no taxpayer funds or school-managed finances were involved in the case. The district also said it would work closely with the PTO to restore financial trust and transparency.
Legal experts say the accused could face serious penalties if found guilty. Theft over $50,000 in New Jersey is considered a second-degree crime and can result in five to ten years in prison. The court will decide whether restitution will be required to repay the stolen money to the PTO.
This case has drawn attention to how parent-run school groups manage their funds and the importance of internal checks and balances. Local PTO groups across the state are now being encouraged to conduct audits more frequently and ensure that no single individual has complete control over finances.
For further updates on this case and official statements, you can visit the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office or the Washington Township Police Department.
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