From Valleynewslive · · 1m 10s
Sheriff’s wife charged in PTO theft case
Rachel Sawyers faces theft and debit card charges tied to a Tennessee school PTO she once helped run.
In brief
Rachel Sawyers faces theft and debit card charges tied to a Tennessee school PTO she once helped run. The case centers on PTO debit card spending, missing approvals and weak records that investigators say left some money untraceable. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Sheriff’s wife arrested
Rachel Sawyers was booked Monday in Carroll County, Tennessee. She is charged with theft of property over $1,000 and fraudulent use of a debit card.
Timing drew notice
Her husband, Eric Sawyers, was elected Carroll County sheriff on Aug. 6 and sworn in on Aug. 31, only weeks before the arrest.
PTO money at issue
The charges trace back to a Tennessee Comptroller’s Office investigation into the Clarksburg School Parent-Teacher Organization.
Personal purchases alleged
Investigators said Sawyers misappropriated at least $1,490, including Amazon and Walmart purchases made with the PTO debit card.
“the purchases were for her personal use”
Records came late
Board members said purchases required approval, but Sawyers’ transactions did not get it. They also said she delayed handing over financial records.
Controls now under review
Investigators flagged another $2,181.38 in poorly documented transactions. Board members said they are fixing the problems that let the alleged theft happen.
The main idea
The case centers on PTO debit card spending, missing approvals and weak records that investigators say left some money untraceable.
