Ansonia police Thursday arrested a Myrtle Avenue woman they say stole $21,000 from the Prendergast School Parent Teacher Organization.
Kelly Kahyaoglu, 48, surrendered to police about noon on a warrant charging her with first-degree larceny.
She was released on a written promise to appear at Superior Court in Derby July 11.
“This arrest is a result of a complaint made in January of 2012,” a prepared statement from Lt. Andrew Cota said. “The total amount that was determined to be missing from the account was approximately $21,000.”
Police allege Kahyaoglu spent the money on an array of items.
“There was a large variety. Everything from clothing to toys to groceries to paying bills as well as cash,” Cota said.
A publicly listed telephone number for Kahyaoglu was out of service Thursday.
In addition to her involvement with the PTO, Kahyaoglu was also listed as a school aide at Prendergast for the 2011 – 2012 school year.
Superintendent Carol Merlone said via e‑mail Thursday night that Kahyaoglu is not an employee of the school district.
Cota’s statement Thursday offered no details on the specific allegations that led to the charges against Kahyaoglu, but had previously said the case was referred to police by Merlone.
Cota told the Valley Indy in December that part of the investigation involved using a PTO debit card to make unauthorized purchases.
He said that the investigation had taken a long time because police had to gather bank statements and data from stores where the debit card was used.
Since the investigation began, the leadership and internal financial controls of the Prendergast PTO has changed.
The use of a debit card has been eliminated. Checks now need two signatures. There are no cash reimbursements to PTO volunteers. The PTO also does a monthly treasurer’s report to be more transparent with members.
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