A Long Island mom and retired cop stole more than $50,000 in PTA dough for a three-year spending spree on tickets, hotels and other luxuries, prosecutors said.
Retired NYPD transit bureau cop Jodi Scarlatos, 43, was busted after she used a debit card she got her paws on as treasurer of the Jericho Elementary School PTA coffers for personal purchases at Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon Wireless and on Ticketmaster, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said.
Her scheme was only exposed after three years, when she transferred control of the PTA account to other members, officials said.
Scarlatos was given oversight of the group’s finances in July 2020 and quickly started dipping into the PTA bank account and using the debit card at restaurants, hotels and on rental cars, prosecutors alleged.
“Parent Teacher Associations serve a vital function in school communities throughout Suffolk County,” District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement.
“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.”
Scarlatos allegedly spent the PTA’s funds during the holidays and summer when school was out, and withdrew cash from the group’s bank account and stuffed it in her own bank account, according to prosecutors.
The alleged theft was uncovered when she handed over control of the PTA account to new board members for the 2023-2024 school year, prosecutors said.
Her lawyer confirmed to The Post that Scarlatos is a retired NYPD transit officer. She retired from the force in January 2025, according to the department.
“My client has been a dedicated member of this community for years,” attorney Scott Gross said in a statement.
“While the allegations are concerning, they do not tell the full story. We are carefully reviewing the situation and will address these claims appropriately.”
She was arrested on Monday and is facing a charge of second-degree grand larceny that could land her in prison for up to 15 years if she’s found guilty.
She was released on bail by Judge Jonathan Bloom during her arraignment. She’s due back in court on May 15.
