A Sag Harbor woman was arrested and arraigned for allegedly stealing over $10,000 from the Sag Harbor Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
According to the investigation, Hope Livingston served as the Sag Harbor Elementary School PTA co-treasurer from July 2021 to June 2022, and vice president from July 2022 through June 2024. During that time, Livingston had access to the PTA bank account through the use of a debit card, which was to be used solely for PTA-related purchases. In September 2024, when the PTA bank account was turned over to new PTA board members, it was discovered that Livingston had allegedly and unlawfully used PTA funds for her own personal expenses.
Livingston allegedly made unauthorized purchases from Costco, Amazon, Target, Lululemon, and various local businesses throughout the Village of Sag Harbor. On numerous occasions, Livingston also allegedly withdrew and stole sums of cash directly from the PTA bank account.
On March 3, 2026, Livingston, 50, was surrendered to the District Attorney’s Office and arraigned before Riverhead Town Justice Sean M. Walter in Riverhead Town Justice Court for Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.
He ordered Livingston released without bail because her charge is considered non-bail-eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. Livingston is due back in court on March 17, 2026.
“Parent Teacher Associations are one of the cornerstones of school communities across Long Island,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “The allegations in this case represent an egregious betrayal of the trust the residents of Sag Harbor placed in this defendant, and my office will continue to hold accountable those individuals who unlawfully enrich themselves at the public’s expense.”