Former Batavia PTO leader gets 2nd chance

A former Batavia elementary school PTO president accused of stealing more than $1,400 in gift cards used to raise money for field trips and teacher wish lists has an opportunity to redeem herself.

Christina Patel, 49, of Aurora entered the Kane County Second Chance Program Wednesday.

If she stays out of trouble for 12 months, pays back the PTO $1,439 and completes 100 hours of community service, prosecutors will drop the felony theft charges against her.

"I don't want to talk about this," Patel said when contacted by phone.

Patel also must pay a $750 fee and refrain from drugs or alcohol, according to court records.

Gina Highland, current PTO president at J.B. Nelson Elementary School, could not be reached for comment.

The program, established in October 2005, is a way for nonviolent offenders to keep a felony conviction off their record.

Candidates for the program also "must complete an intake interview with the program coordinator, meet with a panel of citizens from the community," to be accepted into the program, according to the Kane County state's attorney's office Web site.

If Patel fails to complete the program, the case will be returned to court for prosecution.

The theft charge is a Class 3 felony that carried a maximum of five years in prison and a $25,000 maximum fine.

Patel was charged in March after Batavia police began investigating after a tip from a PTO member.