22-05-2025
Former La Vergne PTO president indicted for stealing organization money
LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The former president of the La Vergne Lake Elementary Parent Teacher Organization has been indicted for stealing the organization's money following an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office.
A release from the comptroller said investigators determined former PTO President Valency Horton misappropriated PTO funds totaling at least $13,130.99 between April and July 2024.
The comptroller's office said Horton made unauthorized money transfers from the PTO to her personal Cash App account and used the funds to make personal purchases and allegedly pay individuals to whom she owed money.
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She also made two unauthorized ATM withdrawals and an over-the-counter cash withdrawal of PTO funds, the office said in a release. One of the ATM withdrawals was made inside an out-of-state casino.
Per the comptroller's report, the Cash App transfers totaled $10,225, while the ATM and over-the-counter withdrawals totaled $2,905.99.
During an interview with investigators, Horton reportedly stated she used the PTO funds for her personal benefit, though she did pay some of it back. Despite paying back some of the organization money, the comptroller's office said she still owes $11,130.99 to the PTO.
The Rutherford County Grand Jury handed down an indictment for Horton charged her with one count of theft of property over $10,000, one count of violation of the Computer Crimes Act, and one count of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card.
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'It is important that school support organizations, like PTOs, have more than one person approve transactions to help prevent fraud,' Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower said. 'PTO officials should also regularly review and reconcile their bank statements to ensure that money is being spent properly. A copy of the bank statements should be included in the minutes of PTO meetings.'
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