Sunlake Band Mom Charged in Grand Theft Case

A 43-year-old Lutz woman faces grand theft charges after Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies say she stole money from the Sunlake High School band.

Gina Marie Csontos was arrested Tuesday, according to Land O’ Lakes jail records.

Csontos was named the band boosters treasurer about two years ago. During her term, she’s accused of taking about $46,000 from the band. Band director Tonya O’Malley noticed numbers that just didn’t add up last year. When confronted, Csontos paid back about $23,000, an arrest report stated.

Band students work year-round on fundraising efforts to cover the cost of competitions, props for shows, travel and other expenses. From candle sales and car washes to an annual rehearse-a-thon, students in the Sunlake Soaring Sound band are expected to each do their part to cover personal and band expenses.

The loss of funds will have no impact on the band’s activities this year, school officials say.

Sunlake earned third-place honors at last year’s Florida Marching Band Championships staged at Tropicana Field.

Csontos was released from custody Tuesday in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:26 a.m. Sept. 17 with more information from the sheriff’s office and Sunlake.