Ex-PTA treasurer denies stealing group's money

The former treasurer for a Lake in the Hills PTA formally pleaded not guilty Friday to allegations she swiped more than $35,000 out of the group's bank account.

Amy J. Kowalski, 38, of Lake in the Hills, asked for a jury trial on a charge of theft between $10,000 and $100,000 filed in connection with the accusations that surfaced earlier this year.

Authorities claim Kowalski took the money over a series of 20 to 25 transactions in 2006 and 2007 while serving has PTA treasurer for Chesak and Martin elementary schools in Lake in the Hills.

After being confronted about missing funds in September, police said, Kowalski submitted a letter to PTA officials admitting she took the money and paid back about $12,000.

Kowalski, who faces a maximum three to seven years in prison if found guilty, is scheduled to return to court June 27 for a status hearing. She is free on $5,000 bond.