An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has found that the former treasurer of the White House Heritage Elementary School parent-teacher organization embezzled at least $8,000 from two father-daughter dance events.

The investigation began after Robertson County Schools officials reported financial discrepancies to the Auditor General.

The Parent Council collected funds for entrance fee donations, concession sales, silent auction proceeds, and photography fees during the May 2022 and May 2023 dances. After the conclusion of both dances, the former treasurer took possession of the funds and was to deposit them into the Parent Council bank account; however, no deposits were made.

In May 2024, the former PTO treasurer admitted to investigators that she had at least $4,000 in custody after each dance, for a total of $8,000. She said she used some of the money for various personal expenses and kept the rest in a bank bag. In addition, she told investigators that in July 2023, when questions arose about the missing funds, she panicked and threw the bank bag containing the money into a dumpster.

On July 11, 2024, the PTO received a check for $8,000 for deposit in the name of the former Treasurer.

Investigators also found that at least $1,265.87 in donations were missing from various other events and fundraisers sponsored by the PTO. There are no records to clarify these discrepancies, and neither the PTO’s former treasurer nor other PTO officials could explain them.

The results of the investigation were submitted to the Office of the Attorney General of the 19th District.^th judicial district.

“Our investigation has uncovered a number of deficiencies in oversight and accountability within the PTO,” said Auditor Jason Mumpower. “It is also a mistake to give one person full responsibility for receipting and keeping records of income, making deposits, maintaining accounts and bank reconciliations.”

The investigation report can be found at tncot.cc/doireports. A map of the auditor general’s investigations can be found at tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations.

If you suspect fraud, waste or misuse of public funds in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454 or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on X/Twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot

Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or [email protected]

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