A Long Island mother, once entrusted with the finances of her child’s school PTA, now faces serious accusations of theft. Jodi Scarlatos, 43, a former New York Police Department officer, stands accused of stealing over $50,000 from Jericho Elementary School over a three-year period.
The alleged scheme began around the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Scarlatos served as treasurer of the PTA. Prosecutors claim she systematically diverted association funds to cover personal expenses, indulging in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment.
Financial pressures were mounting for Scarlatos, as revealed by a foreclosure lawsuit. By July 2022, she had stopped making mortgage payments, facing a total debt exceeding $375,000 and the looming threat of losing her home.
The discrepancies weren’t discovered until a new PTA board took over in 2023. A routine transfer of the bank account revealed a pattern of troubling transactions, sparking an investigation that would ultimately expose the alleged fraud.
Prosecutors allege Scarlatos didn’t limit her spending to personal enjoyment. She is accused of directly transferring PTA funds into her personal bank account, effectively treating the association’s money as her own.
Adding to the allegations, Scarlatos continued to make purchases even during school breaks – summer recess and holiday periods – when PTA-related expenses would have been minimal. This suggests a deliberate and ongoing effort to exploit her position.
Ironically, just months before stepping down from her role, Scarlatos publicly appealed for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, posting on Facebook about a Math-A-Thon fundraiser to help children battling cancer. The contrast between her public plea and alleged private actions is stark.
Scarlatos surrendered to authorities and was arraigned on a charge of grand larceny, a felony carrying a potential sentence of five to fifteen years in prison. She was released without bail and is scheduled to return to court in May 2026.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney emphasized the severity of the alleged betrayal, stating that such actions undermine the trust placed in individuals serving school communities. His office is committed to holding accountable those who misuse public funds for personal gain.
Prior to the allegations, Scarlatos had a career with the New York Police Department, serving as a transit officer before retiring in January 2025. The case raises questions about the motivations behind the alleged theft and the potential impact on the school community.
