Blog Layout

Former president of school’s PTO facing theft charges

On behalf of Shults Law Office • March 14, 2018

Parent-Teacher Organizations are prevalent at many schools throughout Tennessee and all across the country. The volunteers often work together to raise funds for school improvements, teacher appreciation or student programs. One former PTO president was recently arrested and accused of theft from her school's organization in East Tennessee.

Authorities report that a 48-year-old Johnson City woman was arrested after claims she stole over $9,500 from the Ridgeview Elementary School's Parent-Teacher Organization. The alleged theft was said to have taken place between 2015 and 2017.Officials from the Tennessee Comptroller's Office reported that they discovered that unauthorized checks from the PTO were written payable to cash. In addition, they stated that the woman made counter cash withdrawals at a financial institution.

Law enforcement officials from the Washington County's Sheriff's Office were made aware of the missing funds in Aug. 2017, when the PTO account had been reviewed. Apparently, the supposed misappropriated funds were used for a variety of personal purchases. Reports state that the woman bought a swimming pool mat and cigarettes, among other items.

Evidently, one of the woman's relatives gave a $10,000 check to the school's PTO, stating that they didn't think she could make it if she had to go to jail. Officials kept that check as evidence in the case. Authorities also content that she concealed her actions by not submitting bank statements and other documentation to other PTO officers. The organization has since taken actions to separate financial responsibilities among its officers, requiring dual authorization on transactions.

There are many classifications of theft in the state of Tennessee, ranging from petty theft to grand larceny, depending on the value of the stolen items. The charges, whether classified as misdemeanors or felonies, carry with them a variety of potential penalties, such as fines and jail sentences. A Tennessee criminal defense attorney can help someone defend themselves against these charges. A strong defense team can help minimize the negative impact to a client's life.

Source:  wjhl.com, "Ridgeview Elementary PTO president indicted, arrested on theft", March 12, 2018

You can exercise your rights during a traffic stop

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • April 2, 2020
Flashing lights in your review mirror are intimidating, and when you realize you are the driver required to pull over, your concerns could increase. How will you afford to pay for a ticket? What if the police take you into custody? Will you lose your job because of this? Now imagine how you might feel if you had been drinking.…

Why creditors don’t want to violate stay orders

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • March 5, 2020
Those who file for bankruptcy in Tennessee or any other state will usually receive an automatic stay from creditor collection activities. In one case, a debtor’s divorce attorney claimed that she owed $10,000 in legal fees that were accrued before the Chapter 7 case was filed. Therefore, he didn’t believe that he had any legal obligation to stop pursuing a…

How to obtain a liquidation bankruptcy

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • February 19, 2020
Tennessee residents and others who are struggling to pay their debts may qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In such a proceeding, a debtor’s assets may be sold, and the money that a trustee is able to collect will be used to pay off some or all existing creditors. If there is not enough money to pay off a balance, whatever…

Tennessee raises penalties in DUI cases

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • February 5, 2020
People accused of drunk driving in Tennessee may face more severe penalties in case of a conviction, especially if they have multiple DUI convictions on their record. The state legislature has revised the criminal penalties associated with drunk driving, with some people facing years in prison as a result. In most cases, sentences are not associated with first-time DUI convictions,…

Prevent money trouble post split by being involved in marriage

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • January 20, 2020
Finances is one of the most important concerns when Tennessee couples get divorced. Recovering from the financial hit divorce often brings can take a while. One way to make this easier, however, is to be involved in all decisions made about finances during marriage. According to a study by Fidelity Investments, it takes about five years for people to recover…

Keep needs of the children in mind when creating a parenting plan

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • January 3, 2020
Tennessee co-parents want what is best for their children. This means that they must design an effective parenting plan. Cooperation between the parents is a must for a plan to work. Also, the plan should be created according to what the children need as they go through different stages of their lives. It has been recommended that babies and toddlers…

Student loans and bankruptcy

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • December 24, 2019
Many people living in Tennessee and around the country struggle with student loan payments. Despite their best efforts, they often find that they have difficulty keeping up with their loans and other expenses. Some of these student loan borrowers may wonder if it is possible to discharge their student loan debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Unfortunately, the discharge of…

Racial gap persists in criminal justice system

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • December 11, 2019
Criminal justice reform advocates in Tennessee and across the country have highlighted racial disparities in incarceration rates, noting that the legal system has been unfair to black Americans. These racial gaps have continued decades after the end of Jim Crow segregation, exacting devastating effects on communities of color. One study finds a reason for optimism in the declining gap in…

Determining whether a prenuptial agreement is necessary

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • November 25, 2019
Some people in Tennessee may think of a prenuptial agreement as something that only wealthy people need. A prenup describes how property will be divided if a couple gets a divorce. A spouse might also waive the right to claim alimony using a prenup. For some people, a prenup might seem like preparation to divorce before the marriage has started.…

Survey finds people willing to go into debt for holidays

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • November 13, 2019
The holiday season may tempt some Tennessee consumers to use their credit cards for gifts and other spending. According to a survey by CreditCards.com, around half of Generation X and millennials and around one-third of baby boomers said they would be willing to take on credit card debt for the holidays. People who were already in debt were more willing…
More Posts
Share by: