Ex-officer charged with theft from PTO

By Denise Dick

NEW MIDDLETOWN — The former treasurer of Springfield Local PTO is charged with theft, accused of taking money from the organization during her tenure.

Cheryl Blakeman, 37, of Columbiana Road, is scheduled to appear Monday in Struthers Municipal Court on the felony charge. Chief Vincent D’Egidio said a “conservative estimate” places the amount Blakeman is accused of taking from the PTO at between $10,000 and $20,000.

“She was in debt,” D’Egidio said. “She worked at Huntington Bank and she would divert money from the PTO account into her personal account during work hours with the intention of paying it back.”

As the amount increased, Blakeman became overwhelmed and was unable to repay it. The chief said Blakeman has been discharged from the bank for reasons unrelated to the charge.

Blakeman couldn’t be reached. The telephone number listed for her has been disconnected, and the chief said she was out of town.

Blakeman was elected treasurer in 2004 and did not seek re-election this year.

Tina Belfast, PTO president, said the organization has implemented new financial controls since the incident. “We are moving forward, and we are a strong organization,” Belfast said.

She referred further questions to Debra Mettee, schools superintendent, who couldn’t be reached.

D’Egidio said the problem came to light when a new treasurer took office. Initially, the organization filed a report last month with Springfield Township Police, he said. It was transferred to the village police department when it was determined that the suspected crime occurred there, the chief said.

D’Egidio said that Blakeman cooperated during the investigation and that she acknowledged during a PTO meeting that she had taken money.