Treasurer of Geauga County PTO allegedly embezzled $25,000 “for personal gain”

NOVELTY, Ohio (WOIO) – A new civil lawsuit accuses a PTO treasurer of using $25,000 of PTO funds “for her own personal benefit.”

According to the complaint, Kathryn Burry, also known as Katy, assumed her position as treasurer of the Westwood Elementary School PTO on August 1, 2021.

Westwood Elementary School is part of the West Geauga Local Schools district.

According to the complaint, the current PTO president learned of the alleged fraud committed by Burry on June 25.

The PTO president found that the company's account balance was “significantly lower” than anticipated, the complaint states.

The complaint states that the PTO president found that Burry had used PTO funds without authorization to pay herself, her own company, Hipster and other third parties to conceal “fraudulent activity.”

The complaint alleges Burry misappropriated over $25,000.

Burry was immediately removed from those accounts, according to the complaint.

The civil suit also states: “Based on the information and beliefs, the defendant [Burry] has disappeared with funds that are rightfully the property of the plaintiff [the PTO].”

Burry faces civil charges of fraud and theft, breach of fiduciary duty, embezzlement, unjust enrichment and punitive damages.

Burry is expected to respond to the civil complaint within four weeks of its filing on Monday.

19 News reached out to West Geauga Local Schools, who released the following statement:

19 News has reached out to Russel Township police about possible criminal charges against Burry, but has not yet received a response.

The Westwood Elementary School Parent Council said it would not comment on the civil case.

19 News has also reached out to Burry for comment but has not yet received a response.

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