Charges filed in missing PTA funds case

By:Sally Goldenberg
   A former Alexander Batcho Intermediate School PTA president was charged Tuesday with theft and theft by deception for allegedly stealing money and candy from the organization.
   Colleen Giles-Good, 37, of North 16th Avenue was processed and released on her own recognizance later Tuesday night.
   Manville Detective Sgt. John Crater began an investigation into Ms. Giles-Good’s actions as PTA president of ABIS after her successor, Debbie Gregor, noticed a discrepancy in the books.
   Ms. Gregor is the current PTA president at ABIS; Ms. Giles-Good served last school year.
   According to the findings of the investigation — which began at the outset of the school year — Ms. Giles-Good wrote a $1,000 check from the PTA funds for personal use and stole 165 cases of fund-raising candy throughout the school year, Sgt. Crater said.
   Manville Lt. Mark Sniscak said Ms. Giles-Good is being held accountable for $5,719.
   Ms. Giles-Good did not return calls for comment as of press time.
   ABIS Principal James Brunn said he was surprised to learn of the investigation about six months ago, when Ms. Gregor reported the financial discrepancy to police.
   Dr. Brunn called it "highly unlikely" that anyone other than Ms. Giles-Good knew about the embezzlement.
   "She was president and it may have been easier (for her to steal) that way. I can’t say for sure," he said.
   "We trusted them all," he added, referring to the entire PTA.
   He has not heard if or when the money will be returned.
   Attempts to reach Ms. Gregor as of press time were unsuccessful.