Woman accused of embezzling $10,000 from parent teacher organization, Centralia cops say
A 34-year-old woman was arrested Friday on suspicion of spending and misappropriating more than $10,000 tied to the Oakview Elementary School parent teacher organization, Centralia police said.
The woman was president of the group from November 2023 until December 2024, according to police. As president, she had access to three separate bank accounts and a debit/credit card, police say.
Police launched an investigation into the embezzlement complaint on Jan. 28.
“A forensic investigation into these three accounts showed (she) made four transactions to pay her rent and a late fee for her townhouse in Centralia, totaling $7,474.80,” a news release reads.
Police also discovered multiple transactions through Amazon to purchase personal items, which at times were “co-mingled with what appear to be legitimate parent teacher organization purchases,” according to the release.
The Oakview Elementary School PTO is a volunteer organization with individuals who are elected to their roles within that organization, according to police. Although PTOs support schools, the Oakview Elementary School PTO is a separate organization from the Centralia School District, police say.
This story was originally published February 16, 2025 at 12:29 PM.
