The woman accused of embezzling money from PTA groups at two Clarkston schools will pay $26,400.83 in restitution.
Diane Weller, 44, pled no contest Aug. 3 in Sixth Circuit Court, accepting plea bargain terms for probation and lesser charges in exchange for repayment to both Pine Knob Elementary and Sashabaw Middle School PTA funds.
‘I did not follow proper accounting procedures while acting as the treasurer of the PTA,? reads an Aug. 3 statement given to the court and signed by Weller. ‘As an officer, I took PTA funds for my own use. I did not keep proper track of these funds while attempting to replace these funds.?
Sixth Circuit Court Judge Lisa Gorcyca presided over the case.
Weller first became treasurer of the PTA at PKE in 2001. She served as president during the 2002-2003 school year, and again as treasurer in 2003-2004.
While she was not involved with the PTA during 2005, Weller again became treasurer, this time at Sashabaw Middle School, during the two school years spanning 2006-2008. On March 16, 2009, PTA officials held a meeting with police to discuss missing funds, telling investigators serious discrepancies had been discovered in the books.
During the investigation, police said Weller admitted taking money from Entertainment Book, cookie dough and book fair fundraisers, adjusting books to cover missing funds and submitting fictitious audits during her tenure with the PTA at both schools.
Weller also told police she stole money ‘just to pay bills,? noting her family’s home almost went to foreclosure about five years ago. But she also claimed she needed money to help pay for the funeral of a family member, and to send her boys to summer camp.
Police eventually charged Weller with two felony counts of embezzlement of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, and arraigned May 13 in 52/2 District Court.
After her no contest plea Aug. 3, Weller paid $2,000 as the first installment of her restitution, and is scheduled to pay $500 per month until the balance is paid.
According to court documents, Weller owes the Pine Knob Elementary PTA $9,789.75; the Sashabaw Middle School PTA is to receive $16,611.08.
The charges will remain on her record, but will show as misdemeanor’rather than felony convictions’if she follows through with the restitution payments, police said.
Myron F. Poe, Weller’s attorney, was not available for comment.