Jodi Scarlatos, 43, of Centereach, was busted on grand larceny charges after Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced she allegedly drained Jericho Elementary School PTA funds over a three-year period while serving as the group’s treasurer.
Authorities say Scarlatos, who held the PTA purse strings from July 2020 through September 2023, had full access to the organization’s bank account and a debit card intended strictly for school-related expenses.
But instead of funding field trips and student programs, investigators allege she went on a spending binge, ringing up charges at restaurants, Best Buy, Ticketmaster, hotels, rental car companies, Amazon and Verizon Wireless.
The alleged scheme came to light during the 2023–2024 school year when new PTA board members took over the account and noticed suspicious activity.
Prosecutors say Scarlatos didn’t just swipe the card, she also allegedly withdrew cash and funneled it straight into her own personal bank account.
Even more brazen, officials claim some of the transactions took place during summer vacation and school breaks, times when PTA activity is typically minimal, raising red flags for investigators.
“Parent Teacher Associations serve a vital function in school communities,” Tierney said, blasting the alleged theft as a betrayal of trust.
“We will hold accountable anyone who unlawfully enriches themselves at the public’s expense.”
Scarlatos surrendered to authorities and was arraigned on a charge of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.
Despite the serious charge, she was released without bail under New York’s current bail reform laws.
She is due back in court May 5th and faces up to 15 years behind bars if convicted.