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4w ago

Maryland PTA Scandal Triggers Federal Probe as Senators Press for Accountability

Federal authorities are reviewing a receiver’s audit alleging roughly $900,000 meant for school communities was diverted to personal use.

The back of a townhouse owned by Latonja Carrera , who allegedly took tens of thousands of COVID dollars from the state PTA. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)
Direction or “spell” is printed on scented “Love” candles for sale at the Crystal Fox store in Laruel. LaTonja Carrera used COVID relief funds to shop at this store and purchased similar products, according to court records. (Kenneth K. Lam/staff)
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Overview

  • U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland and the FBI are investigating former Maryland PTA president LaTonja Carrera, according to the Baltimore Sun.
  • Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks called for full accountability after learning of the probe into alleged pandemic-era fraud.
  • Receiver Seth Waxman dismissed a 2023 civil suit this year and said he turned his audit evidence over to federal prosecutors in mid-July.
  • Court filings allege about $900,000 was misappropriated, including roughly $500,000 in COVID relief funds, $350,000 in private grants, $25,000 in PPP loans, and $39,000 in PTA dues.
  • The audit details spending on travel, gambling, luxury goods, and more than $27,000 on spells and psychic services, and describes transfers through multiple accounts and frequent ATM withdrawals; no criminal charges have been announced.