Police say a former elementary school PTO president is now facing charges after allegedly dipping into school funds for personal spending… and the list of purchases is raising eyebrows.
According to investigators, 33-year-old Avery Fusick is accused of racking up roughly $4,800 in unauthorized expenses while overseeing the parent-teacher organization at Maple Street School. The charges stem from a months-long investigation that kicked off after officials noticed unpaid bills tied to school book fairs.
When authorities reviewed the account activity, they say they found a trail of questionable spending—everything from gas stations and coffee runs to casinos and even a marijuana dispensary.
Things unraveled after school officials were alerted to outstanding balances owed to a book vendor. Fusick allegedly claimed she was on a payment plan, but investigators say that wasn’t true, prompting a deeper look into the PTO’s finances.
Police say Fusick has been charged with third-degree larceny. She later turned herself in and was released on a promise to appear in court later this month.
School officials were quick to point out that PTOs operate independently from the district, with their own accounts and oversight—though this case is now serving as a pretty clear example of what can go wrong when that system breaks down.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
