Sag Harbor, NY – Former Sag Harbor Elementary School PTA Vice President Hope Livingston, 50, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $10,000 from the parent-teacher organization she once helped lead, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Livingston pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft.
“Stealing from a school’s PTA is not just a crime, it is a betrayal of our children and community,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said. “My office will continue to have zero tolerance for corruption.”
Prosecutors say PTA debit card was used for personal purchases
According to prosecutors, Livingston served as the PTA’s co-treasurer from July 2021 through June 2022 before becoming vice president, a position she held through June 2024.
During that time, she had access to the organization’s bank account through a PTA-issued debit card intended solely for school-related purchases.
The thefts came to light in September 2024 when control of the PTA’s bank account was transferred to a new board.
Prosecutors allege Livingston used PTA money to pay for personal purchases at retailers including Costco, Amazon, Target and Lululemon, as well as at several local businesses in the Town of Sag Harbor.
Investigators also said she repeatedly withdrew cash directly from the PTA bank account for her own use.
Restitution ordered as part of plea agreement
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Livingston is expected to be sentenced on Oct. 6 to five years of probation.
She will also be required to pay $14,487 in restitution to the Sag Harbor Elementary School PTA.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alyssa Costantino of the Public Corruption Bureau following an investigation conducted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad with assistance from Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Matthew Matz.
