Fundraiser Started For South Bound Brook School After PTO Theft

SOUTH BOUND BROOK, NJ — The South Bound Brook Police are raising $20,000 to help the school's Parent Teacher Organization after its PTO treasurer was arrested for stealing money from the organization's bank account.

Renee Wilson, 35, of Elizabeth Street in South Bound Brook was charged with one count of third-degree theft. (See Related: PTO Treasurer Stole Funds From South Bound Brook School: Cops)

Wilson drained the PTO's account over a long period of time, the South Bound Brook PoliceBenevolent Association Local 148 said, who started a GoFundMe for the town's PTO.

"We are calling on anyone and everyone to help us give back what’s been taken from the PTO, so that the healing process can begin," the SBB PBA said.

The PBA kicked off the fundraiser for the PTO by donating $1,000. So far a total of $1,500 has been raised of the $20,000 goal. To donate to the South Bound Brook PTO visit the GoFundMe page here.

"The PTO lends assistance to teachers in the classroom settings, by raising funds and providing the school with educational material, along with many other contributions. The organization’s sole objective is through means of fundraising. The PTO has helped our children in town excel in the classroom and is a vital piece to the educational system. With all of the help they have provided over the many years, we reciprocate and encourage you to do the same," the SBB PBA said.

Willson turned herself into police on Monday following an investigation that found she had stolen and misused the PTO's money, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said.

She has been released on her own recognizance. Additional charges may be pending.

Anyone with information relating to this theft is asked to contact the South Bound Brook Police Department at 732-356-0087 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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