SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — A former president of the Nokomis Elementary School PTA in the Sachem School District has been arrested and charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing more than $27,000 from the organization over a three-year period, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Friday.
Pamela McManus, 42, of Holbrook, is accused of misusing PTA funds for personal expenses while serving as president of the organization from July 2021 to June 2024. The charges were filed following an investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Public Corruption Bureau.
According to the investigation, McManus maintained sole access to the PTA’s bank account through a Visa debit card throughout her term and continued using the account after her presidency ended. When new PTA board members assumed control in October 2024, they discovered unauthorized transactions and cash withdrawals that had allegedly been made by McManus.
Prosecutors allege that McManus used PTA funds for purchases at various retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Verizon Wireless, PSEG, Sephora, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. It is further alleged that she made several unauthorized cash withdrawals during school breaks, including summer and holiday periods.
Released on recognizance under New York bail laws
On June 5, McManus surrendered to the District Attorney’s Office and was arraigned before Acting County Court Judge Jennifer A. Henry on one count of grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony. She was released on her own recognizance in accordance with New York State law, which considers the charge non-bail eligible.
“Parent Teacher Associations are an integral part of our school communities throughout Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The allegations in this case represent a disturbing betrayal of trust, and my office will continue to hold accountable those who unlawfully abuse their positions for personal gain.”
McManus is represented by attorney Jonathan Scher and is scheduled to return to court on July 10.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alyssa Costantino. The investigation was led by Deputy Sheriff Investigator Matthew Matz of the Public Corruption Bureau.