1. Every group should today make sure they have smart money handling procedures in place. They aren't a guarantee that you won't be victimized, but I'd wager that 95%+ of embezzle cases happen because the opportunity seems so easy.
Agreed!
2. Upon suspicion, a complete audit should immediately be run. Treasurer should not be on the audit committee.
Agreed!
3. If audit turns up oddities, I'd say contact authorities for help here. Others recommend trying to work things out in-house first. Can we agree, though, that if the treasurer isn't completely forthcoming and cooperative at this point, then contacting the authorities is 100% called for?
Agree with the last part. Sometimes it can't be avoided, especially if they are not forthcoming.
Thanks for all the advise, but just so there is no misunderstanding here, the PTO Board first informed the School Superintendent, before going to the authorities. The individual in question was also a signature on the school account, as an elected school board member.
I am sick just thinking that this is a School Board member, they are usually elected by the people to serve your school. I think that the superintendent wants to keep it quiet, bottom line is it is a crime and I would have to say that I would lose some respect for them. How did the Board member react when they found out what the audit showed up? Was there any remorse or all denial? I would do everything I had to do to get that money back for the kids, no matter who it is.You can worry about reputation but if this was covered up I have to wonder what else your adminstration is covering up. In our community they would have a harder time having a cover up than the truth up front. Don't let them downplay the seriousness or give you lack of respect, alot of hardwork and volunteer hours raised that money.good luck...
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
I'd also question the interpretation on this. There are lots of actions that are crimes if the victim chooses to file a complaint. And there are lots of times the victim does not choose to report the event or have it prosecuted. That is different than "covering it up".
We aren't talking about some individual who happened to find out about it. These are elected representatives charged to make decisions and conduct business on behalf of the organization.
When I've spoken to law enforcement officials about this issue, they've indicated that private solutions are often negotiated.
I'm not saying that these thefts SHOULDN'T be pursued or prosecuted. But I don't think it's quite black and white.
Thank You JonWilson. I appreciate how elequently you put what I was trying to say. That is exactly what I was told. Imagine! You and I agreeing on something! WoooooHooooo!
Tim,
Metzy's right. This topic has been about an action that falls into the realm of the criminal court, not the civil court. It is a felony. No matter the class (severity), it is still a felony; as is being an accessory after the fact. To know of the commission of a felony and not report it, is a felony as well.
I'm extremely surprised that the administration would believe that it would be ok to settle for restitution only. I believe that reporting it is the only logical answer. I also think that to not report it would be a disservice to not only the kids, but the hard working parents. It took all of these people to raise these funds.
Lastly, to think that a school board member could be the culprit.... I'd be insulted to allow it to go away quietly.
