JOHNSON COUNTY — A member of the North Grove Elementary PTO is accused of stealing $1,400 out of the organization’s checking account.
Jennifer Dobbins is charged with misdemeanor conversion, court records show.
Parent teacher organizations (PTOs) are typically comprised of parents, teachers and volunteers to help support the school and its students.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s office received a call on Sept. 26 about a possible theft and met with the current president and treasurers of the North Grove Elementary PTO.
The president told deputies that Dobbins had been withdrawing funds in ATM transactions from the North Grove PTO checking account.
A treasurer provided deputies with copies of bank statements showing a withdrawal on Aug. 16 for $500, on Aug. 17 for $500 and on Aug. 28 for $400.
The PTO president, two treasurers and Dobbins had access to the card in question, records show.
The PTO held an emergency meeting on Sept. 4.
Dobbins was questioned about the financial transactions and admitted to taking funds from the PTO fund, court records show.
North Grove Elementary is located within the Center Grove Community School Corporation.
RTV6 reached out to Center Grove schools spokeswoman Stacy Conrad, and Conrad said she was looking into the matter.
"North Grove Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization is working with the Johnson County Prosecutor and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department regarding the reported misuse of PTO funds. Any questions regarding the case should be directed to the Prosecutor’s Office," Conrad said.
Call 6 Investigates called Dobbins’ cell phone and asked for Dobbins.
A man answered the phone and when RTV6 reporter Kara Kenney identified herself, the man hung up the phone.
Dobbins’ attorney declined to comment.
She received a summons to appear in court, and is scheduled for an initial hearing on Nov. 18 at 8:30 a.m. Johnson County Superior Court.
