A New Jersey mother is accused of siphoning $25,000 from the Melvin H. Kreps Middle School Parent Teacher Organization over a three-year period while serving as the group’s treasurer, authorities said.
At a Glance
- Allison Schneider, 47, allegedly opened a secret bank account and diverted PTO fundraiser proceeds from 2021 through 2024.
- The missing money was discovered when the PTO’s bank statement did not match financial reports Schneider submitted.
- Schneider surrendered to police on January 19, 2025, and was charged with third-degree theft.
- Why it matters: The alleged theft strips resources intended for student programs and extracurricular activities at the East Windsor middle school.
The East Windsor Township Police Department launched an investigation after PTO leaders reported that about $10,000 could not be accounted for during a routine review on October 7, 2025. Detectives quickly determined the actual loss was far larger.
How the Money Disappeared
According to police, Schneider opened a separate bank account under her control and directed proceeds from multiple PTO fundraisers into that account instead of the organization’s official treasury. Investigators traced the diverted funds back to 2021.
Authorities provided these key details:
- Schneider submitted financial statements to the PTO that did not reflect the true bank balance.
- The scheme unraveled when current officers compared the official bank statement with Schneider’s reports.
- Once confronted, Schneider could not explain the shortfall.
Detectives reviewed transaction records and alleged that Schneider spent the money on personal purchases. The total amount taken exceeds $25,000, more than double the initial estimate.
Charges and Next Steps
Schneider went to police headquarters voluntarily on Monday, January 19, where she was processed and released on a complaint summons. She faces one count of theft in the third degree, a charge that covers property thefts between $500 and $75,000 in New Jersey.
The charge is punishable by:
- Up to five years in state prison
- Fines of up to $15,000
- An order to pay full restitution to the PTO
A court date has not yet been announced. Prosecutors will present the case to a grand jury that could indict Schneider on additional counts, including possible financial-crime enhancements.
Impact on the School Community
The Melvin H. Kreps Middle School PTO uses fundraising revenue to pay for:
- Classroom supplies and technology upgrades
- Field trip subsidies and guest speakers
- After-school clubs and student recognition events
- Staff appreciation activities
Officers told News Of Philadelphia the missing money has already forced the group to scale back plans for the current school year. Parents who donated to recent fundraisers expressed frustration that their contributions may have been misused.
No other PTO members are suspected of wrongdoing, and the organization has implemented new financial safeguards, including:
- Requiring dual signatures on all checks over $500
- Conducting quarterly external reviews of bank statements
- Using accounting software that gives read-only access to multiple officers
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Fundraiser proceeds allegedly diverted to secret account |
| 2022-2024 | Discrepancies masked through falsified reports |
| October 7, 2025 | PTO leaders notify police of missing $10,000 |
| January 19, 2025 | Schneider charged with third-degree theft |
Police credited the PTO’s current leadership for quickly flagging the inconsistencies and preserving documentation that allowed detectives to build the case.
Key Takeaways
- Allison Schneider, former treasurer of the Kreps Middle School PTO, is accused of stealing $25,000 raised for student activities.
- The alleged theft spanned three years and was uncovered when bank records failed to match her financial reports.
- Schneider has been charged with third-degree theft and could face prison time and substantial fines if convicted.
- The PTO has introduced stricter financial controls to prevent future losses.
