Woman Accused Of Stealing Thousands From Bennett Elementary School PTSA

BENNETT, Colo. (CBS4) - Charges have been filed against a woman accused of stealing $15,000 from a parent-teacher student association.

"Oh my word, oh yes, that's not good, that's a lot of money," said Bennett Elementary School grandparent Florence Halstead.

Prosecutors charged Angelita Sue Ramos, 39, with theft and forgery. They say she stole cash from fundraising events held at Bennett Elementary School and forged checks.

At the time, Ramos was the treasurer for the organization. PTSA members began to notice money missing and checks forged with their names.

"The charges allege that she forged signatures on checks and stole cash from fundraising events held at the school, including book fairs," the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

According to court documents, the PTSA confronted Ramos about the missing funds and she said, "She doesn't remember what happened to the money and that she had been overwhelmed by medical problems and on medication and that it was all a blur."

Ramos asked the PTSA president "to work it out without pressing any charges."

She also said, "It is what it is."

Bennett Schools Superintendent Dennis Veal said that is disappointing.

"It's money that goes back to the students to support them in a lot of different ways and it really is troublesome when something like this happens," said Veal.

Why Ramos allegedly took the money isn't clear yet.

"Hopefully they think they have a good reason but they usually don't and it's an all about me kind of thing," said Halstead.

A new treasurer is in place and the fundraisers will continue.

"The fundraisers are really good but when they embezzle, that's not a good thing," said Halstead.

Ramos' bond is set at $5,000.