Treasurer Stole $12K From Palatine Elementary School PTA: Police

PALATINE, IL — Soon after taking office in an elected position, the treasurer of an elementary school parent-teacher association began stealing from the organization. According to police, Melissa Tronina, 41, of the 3800 block of Eagle Lane, Rolling Meadows, was responsible for more than $12,000 in unauthorized purchases on the Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School PTA's banking account between August 2023 and January of this year.

Tronina, who also had a warrant out of Cook County for a previous offense of continuing financial crimes, was charged with felony theft. She was arrested Tuesday and is due in court Wednesday for a detention hearing regarding the warrant.

Police were notified on Jan. 19 about suspicious activity on the PTA's checking account. An extensive investigation was launched which entailed reviewing bank statements, debit card purchases and numerous other pieces of evidence.

Tronina had been elected to the position in August 2023.