Blakeman apologizes, sentenced to 3 years’ probation
By Denise Dick
By DENISE DICK
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The former treasurer of the Springfield Local PTO gave a tearful apology before being sentenced for theft.
“I just want to apologize to the PTO and everyone involved,” said Cheryl Blakeman, 38, of Columbiana Road, Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
She served as PTO treasurer from 2004 to 2009 when she didn’t seek reelection. The problem was discovered when a new treasurer took office and found discrepancies in the organization’s financial records.
Blakeman is accused of diverting money from the PTO account into her personal account between January 2007 and last October while she worked at Huntington Bank.
New Middletown police investigated the case and had estimated that Blakeman took between $10,000 and $20,000 from the organization.
She pleaded guilty last month to theft. Judge James C. Evans sentenced Blakeman to three years’ probation and ordered her to pay $15,000 in restitution to the PTO.
Blakeman, who was represented by Atty. Miriam Ocasio, presented a $4,000 cashier’s check toward that amount Thursday.
She could have been sentenced to up to 18 months in prison.
“I was in a really bad situation and I just feel awful,” Blakeman said. “I’m sorry, very sorry. I’ve never been in this position in my life.”
Police have said that the mother of three was in debt and intended to repay the money, but as the amount increased, she was unable to repay it.
Carla Baldwin-Fields, an assistant county prosecutor, said she has been in contact with the PTO since being assigned the case.
“They didn’t want Ms. Blakeman to go to prison; they just want repayment,” she said.
No one from the PTO attended the sentencing hearing, but officers have previously said they have implemented additional internal controls since the theft was discovered.