LYNNWOOD — Snohomish County prosecutors have charged the former treasurer of Martha Lake Elementary School PTA with theft after she allegedly pilfered nearly $40,000 from the nonprofit’s bank account.
In her position, Charlotte Hess, 40, was allowed to write checks to cover expenses for the PTA. The group supports student and staff activities, including after-school clubs and special assemblies. It provides money for classroom supplies and scholarships for fifth-grade outdoor school, according to the group’s website. Volunteers hold fundraisers to pay for the activities and supplies.
Hess is accused of writing herself checks, totaling $37,325.57, from the group’s account between December 2013 and August.
Hess reportedly told authorities that she embezzled the money because she has a gambling addiction, Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy Rebecca Lewis wrote in an affidavit.
Court documents say that Hess wrote an apology letter when she was confronted with the allegations. She also wrote the school checks but several of the checks were returned because there wasn’t money to cover them, Lewis wrote.
One of the board members reported the theft in late August. She provided police with documentation showing the unauthorized transactions, a copy of a cashier’s check for the money Hess already had paid and her apology letter.
Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Cheryl Johnson charged Hess last week with first-degree theft, a felony.
Some of the money has been paid back, Johnson said Tuesday. She declined to say how much.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dianahefley.
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