Former treasurer charged in PTA thefts

A former PTA treasurer from Lake in the Hills turned herself in to police Friday on charges she stole more than $35,000 from the PTA fund, police said.

Amy J. Kowalski of 2821 Hillsboro Lane was charged with one count of felony theft. She was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

In 2006 and 2007, Kowalski served as treasurer of the PTA at Chesak and Martin elementary schools in Lake in the Hills.

An audit of the PTA's bank account during that period revealed Kowalski took $35,408.74 from the account, according to an attorney for the PTA.

The money was taken over a series of 20 to 25 transactions -- one to two a month -- in sums ranging from $500 to $3,200, said T.J. Thurston, attorney for the PTA.

Sometimes, Kowalski withdrew the money directly from the account. Other times, she withdrew money from a savings account and deposited a smaller sum in the checking account, he said.

In September 2007, the PTA president noticed a transaction in which Kowalski had withdrawn $10,000 from the PTA's savings account and deposited $8,500, Thurston said.

"That's what really tipped them off that something might be wrong," Thurston said.

PTA officers confronted Kowalski with evidence of the theft later that month and Kowalski handed them a confession in October, Thurston said.

Kowalski's attorneys could not be reached for comment after business hours Friday.

The Chesak-Martin PTA filed a report on Oct. 10, 2007, alleging Kowalski took money from the PTA account.

After taking the $35,000, Kowalski deposited $12,000 back into the PTA account and PTA officers said they believe they are still missing about $23,000, Thurston said.

The PTA is trying to recover the missing money from Kowalski and through an insurance claim, he added.