August 20, 2024 – An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has determined the former treasurer of the White House Heritage Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization misappropriated at least $8,000 from two father-daughter dance events.
The investigation began after Robertson County Schools officials reported financial discrepancies to the Comptroller’s Office.
The PTO collected funds for entry fee donations, concessions sales, silent auction proceeds, and photography fees during both the May 2022 and May 2023 dance events. At the conclusion of both dances, the former treasurer took custody of the money and was expected to deposit it into the PTO bank account; however, no deposits were made.
In May 2024, the former PTO treasurer admitted to investigators that she had custody of at least $4,000 after each dance, $8,000 in total. She said she used a portion of the money to pay various personal expenses and retained the remainder in a bank bag. Furthermore, she told investigators that in July 2023, when questions were raised about the missing funds, she panicked and threw away the bank bag containing the money in a dumpster.
On July 11, 2024, the PTO received an $8,000 check for deposit on behalf of the former treasurer.
Investigators also identified collection shortages of at least $1,265.87 related to various other events and fundraisers sponsored by the PTO. No records exist to reconcile these discrepancies, and neither the former PTO treasurer nor other PTO officials could explain them.
The results of the investigation have been communicated with the Office of the District Attorney General of the 19th Judicial District.
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