Springfield PTO ex-treasurer indicted

YOUNGSTOWN — The former treasurer of the Springfield Local PTO has been indicted on theft charges by a Mahoning County grand jury.

Cheryl D. Blakeman, 37, of Columbiana Road, New Springfield, is accused of taking between $5,000 and $100,000 from the PTO between January 2007 and Oct. 13, 2009, while she was the treasurer.

New Middletown police have said that Blakeman diverted money from the PTO account to her personal bank account while she was a teller at Huntington Bank. As the amount increased, Blakeman became overwhelmed and was unable to repay it.

She has been discharged from the bank for reasons unrelated to the charge, police said.