A former parent-teacher organization (PTO) member at a Maple Grove school is accused of stealing more than $188,000 in funds from the group’s bank account over seven years.
Emily McMullin, 44, is charged with one count of theft by swindle after allegedly using her position as treasurer in Elm Creek Elementary School’s PTO to transfer thousands of dollars from its account to her own.
According to the complaint, McMullin – who had been part of the Elm Creek Elementary School PTO since mid-2016 – made multiple unauthorized payments using PTO accounts, including spending on her childcare expenses, student loan payments, groceries, mortgage payments, and takeout food.
McMullin was given access to the PTO bank account through her position and was added as an authorized user. She held the role until mid-2023 and assisted the incoming board with the transition process.
When the new board took over in August 2023, they received a letter from the PTO’s bank indicating that the account was overdrawn. When McMullin was confronted with this information, the complaint says she admitted to the new board that she had been “borrowing” funds to “keep afloat” at home.