A Centereach woman who served as treasurer of the Jericho Elementary School PTA has been charged with stealing more than $50,000 from the organization over a three-year period, Suffolk County prosecutors said.
Jodi Scarlatos, 43, was arrested and arraigned on April 20, 2026, on a charge of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege Scarlatos served as PTA treasurer from July 2020 through September 2023, during which time she had access to the organization’s bank account and was issued a debit card for official expenses. Authorities say that after new board members took control of the account during the 2023–2024 school year, they discovered what they allege were unauthorized transactions.
According to the investigation, Scarlatos is accused of using PTA funds for personal purchases, including expenses at restaurants, Best Buy, Ticketmaster, hotels, rental cars, Amazon, and Verizon Wireless. Prosecutors also allege she made transactions during summer and holiday breaks when school was not in session.
Investigators further allege that Scarlatos withdrew cash from the PTA account and deposited those funds into her personal bank account.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said the case represents a breach of trust within the community, noting that PTAs play an important role in supporting local schools.
Scarlatos surrendered to authorities and was arraigned before District Court Judge Jonathan Bloom. She was released without bail, as the charge is non-bail eligible under New York State law.
If convicted on the top count, she faces a potential sentence of five to 15 years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Public Corruption Bureau following an investigation by the office’s Public Corruption Squad.
Scarlatos is due back in court on May 5, 2026. The charges are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
