A Centereach woman was arrested and arraigned for allegedly stealing over $50,000 from an elementary school’s Parent Teacher Association while serving as treasurer during a three-year period.
According to the investigation, Jodi Scarlatos served as treasurer of the Jericho Elementary School PTA from July 2020 through September 2023. In that role, she had access to the PTA bank account and was issued a debit card intended solely for PTA-related expenses. During the 2023–2024 school year, when control of the account was transferred to new board members, it was discovered that Scarlatos allegedly used PTA funds for personal expenses. These included purchases at restaurants, Best Buy, Ticketmaster, hotels, rental cars, Amazon, and Verizon Wireless.
It is further alleged that Scarlatos made unauthorized transactions during the summer and holiday breaks when school was not in session. She also allegedly withdrew cash from the PTA account and then redeposited the money directly into her personal bank account.
On April 20, 2026, Scarlatos surrendered to the District Attorney’s Office, and was arraigned by District Court Judge Jonathan Bloom for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.
Judge Bloom ordered Scarlatos, 43, 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. Scarlatos is due back in court on May 5, 2026, and she faces five to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
“Parent Teacher Associations serve a vital function in school communities throughout Suffolk County,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “The allegations in this case represent a betrayal of the trust the residents of Centereach placed in this defendant, and my office will continue to hold accountable everyone who unlawfully enriches themselves at the public’s expense.”