The defense attorney representing a woman accused of stealing $46,000 from a Hempfield Area parent-teacher organization denied the allegations Tuesday.
Attorney Tim Andrews said Darshanna Truss, 35, of Hempfield, waived her right to a preliminary hearing on two felony theft counts and will examine the prosecution’s evidence against her.
“She contends that this is all completely wrong, she did not take any money inappropriately,” he told reporters outside district court.
Truss was arrested in March by Westmoreland County detectives who said she took the money from a bank account belonging to Fort Allen Elementary School’s PTO while she was its treasurer. She had been in that position since 2023.
Financial records reviewed by detectives showed that 48 checks had been issued to Truss since July 2023, totaling $28,400, according to court records. They were deposited into her personal bank account, typically when it was depleted or overdrawn, authorities said.
An additional 30 checks, issued to “cash,” amounted to $17,600.
During a police interview, Truss told them it had been the PTO’s practice to make purchases for the organization and then be reimbursed through PTO checks. Andrews said Tuesday there were specific procedures that had been followed for years when it came to taking money out of the PTO’s account, suggesting there may be some confusion about the withdrawals.
“She’s always been dedicated to the children, she remains dedicated to them,” he said.
Truss remains free on $50,000 unsecured bond.
Parent-teacher organizations are independent, volunteer-run groups that facilitate fundraising and events for educators and students. District officials have said Hempfield Area would financially support the PTO, if any needs arose.