Long Island mom used $50K in PTA funds to buy tickets, shop at Best Buy
Prosecutors say a Long Island woman who once worked as an NYPD transit officer is accused of siphoning off more than $50,000 from a local elementary school PTA over several years, using the money to fund personal expenses.
Authorities allege that 43-year-old Jodi Scarlatos, who served as treasurer for the Jericho Elementary School PTA, misused access to the group’s debit card beginning in mid-2020. According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, she made purchases at retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon Wireless, and Ticketmaster, along with spending on travel, dining, and other personal costs.
Investigators claim the activity continued for roughly three years. The alleged misconduct came to light only after Scarlatos turned over control of the PTA’s finances to incoming members for the 2023–2024 school year. Officials say that during her tenure, she also withdrew cash from the PTA account and deposited it into her own accounts, with some of the spending occurring during school breaks.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement that organizations like PTAs play an important role in local communities and described the accusations as a serious breach of trust by someone entrusted with managing funds on behalf of families.
Scarlatos’ attorney, Scott Gross, acknowledged that his client is a retired NYPD transit bureau officer, noting that she left the department in January 2025. He said she has long been involved in the community and that the allegations do not present the complete picture, adding that the defense is reviewing the case and will respond accordingly.
Scarlatos was taken into custody Monday and charged with second-degree grand larceny, a felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison if she is convicted. She was released on bail following her arraignment before Judge Jonathan Bloom and is scheduled to return to court on May 15.
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