A stealing charge against a former Royal Heights Elementary PTO treasurer who embezzled $26,268 from the organization was dismissed November 29 as part of a plea agreement with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office.
Katy Kelley, Joplin, pleaded guilty to the remaining charge, fraudulent use of a credit device, a misdemeanor, was given a suspended sentence and was placed on unsupervised probation for two years.
Conditions of the probation include paying $146.50 in court costs and not drinking within six hours of driving a vehicle.
The probable cause statement said Kelley embezzled $26,268, through 82 unauthorized withdrawals from the PTO account from June 25, 2022 through April 27, 2023, with 67 of the withdrawals made through an ATM at Downstream Casino and Resort in Quapaw, Oklahoma.
One reason for the dismissal appears to be the lack of physical evidence on the Missouri side of the crime, with most of the withdrawals taking place in Oklahoma.
From the probable cause statement:
Out of the six unlawful withdrawals that occurred within Joplin's jurisdiction, only one was captured on surveillance, due to the bank holding footage for only 90 days. On March 20, 2023, Katy Kelley is seeing using the ATM. She arrived in a white Jeep Wrangler; no one else was seen in the vehicle.
Out of the six unlawful withdrawals that occurred within Joplin's jurisdiction, only one was captured on surveillance, due to the bank holding footage for only 90 days. On March 20, 2023, Katy Kelley is seeing using the ATM. She arrived in a white Jeep Wrangler; no one else was seen in the vehicle.
Kelley still faces a felony embezzlement charge in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. According to online court records, she skipped a hearing Friday.
7 comments:
"embezzled $26,268" - "paying $146.50 in court costs" = SHAME ON THE MESS!
Jasper County is the joke of SW Missouri. If you ever get arrested hope it's in Jasper County.
That’s Jasper County for you, feel sorry for the criminals. Screw the law abiding people…
Lame Duck Judges and Prosecutors
It is frustrating, I agree. I worked for a company where a trusted employee had stolen thousands over a long period of time. Despite overwhelming evidence she received probation. An attorney pointed out that you can’t repay $$ from a prison cell and while it may take a long time, incarceration is an option if monthly payments aren’t made
This is so wrong....there have been so many cases of embezzlement from PTO and athletic organizations in Joplin over the years. Unfortunately the organizations need to do some type of vetting for these officers and require dual signatures on withdrawals. No one is EVER held accountable. I hope Oklahoma proceeds with prosecution.
What a Slap On the Wrist. This person should have been given a Life-Time Ban of never being allowed to hold any Position in a Non-Profit and Jail Time...
Katy Kelly - Authorities reportedly say 40-year-old Katy Kelley, the former treasurer of the Royal Heights Elementary PTO, made over 80 unauthorized withdrawals from the group’s account. This was not a Random Act - but she committed this Crime 80 Plus Times.
Kelly reportedly did pay back about $24,000 of just over $26,000 she allegedly withdrew. So if you Rob a Bank - You should be able to get away with it if you Pay Back what you Stole? Only in Jasper and Newton Counties in Missouri - - Why do People from around the United States think this area is inhabited with a bunch of Uneducated, HillBillies -
We need to Stop being Soft on Criminals and began Feeling Sorry for the Victims. We need Judges, Prosecuting Attorneys, and Jurors - who are not Afraid to Enforce the Laws of this Country and to Serve the Public's Best Interest.
The Only Saving Grace is - Kelley still faces a felony embezzlement charge in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. According to online court records, she skipped a hearing Friday. Maybe someone much Smarter than our Local Yokels - Can Prosecute this Woman and have Justice Served...
It’s interesting considering Ms Kelley worked/works for the court system. Shame on our system. She should be held accountable. I’m sure she will do it again.
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