Deptford PTO member charged with stealing more than $50K in school activity funds
In a letter to parents Tuesday, Deptford school Superintendent Kevin Kanauss said the matter involved the PTOs for the Central, Pine Acres, and Shady Lane schools.
A Deptford PTO member has been charged with stealing more than $50,000 from funds raised by parents to support several schools, police said Tuesday.
Tara A. Webb, 36, was arrested Monday and charged in connection with the alleged theft, Deptford Police Chief Joseph J. Smith said. She surrendered without incident and was transported to the Salem County jail, he said.
Webb was charged with theft by unlawful taking following a three-month investigation, Smith said. The investigation is ongoing, he said.
Police said Webb was PTO treasurer for Shady Lane School and Pine Acres School.
In a letter to parents Tuesday, Deptford Schools Superintendent Kevin Kanauss and police Detective Maureen Packer detailed the allegations but did not include Webb’s name. Neither the school district nor any district employees were involved, the letter said, and only the person charged is believed to have been involved.
In addition to the alleged misappropriation of funds, the person charged also failed to pay thousands of invoices related to PTO activities, the letter said.
It was not immediately clear whether Webb is represented by a lawyer.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the impact it will have on our school communities,” the letter said. “Our priority remains the well-being and trust of our students, families and staff.”
PTOs, or parent-teacher organizations, typically raise funds to support school budgets. The money can be used to purchase supplies, pay for teacher materials, and sponsor enrichment events.