Ex-treasurer of Beaufort group faces fraud charge

BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — The former treasurer of a Beaufort Elementary School group has been charged with fraud after questions were raised about money spent from the organization’s account.

The Beaufort Gazette reported (http://bit.ly/mVD7PC ) that 31-year-old Melissa Otero of Beaufort has been charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent. Otero is accused of making personal purchases and ATM withdrawals with the Parent Action Committee’s debit card.

Lt. Darrel Gruel says committee members became suspicious of Otero’s purchases while she was treasurer from August 2009 to July 2011.

Gruel says Otero made purchases at local department stores, restaurants and specialty stores and made unauthorized ATM withdrawals.

It was not clear if she has an attorney. She faces up to 30 days in jail and a $2,000 fine if she’s convicted.

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Information from: The Beaufort Gazette, http://www.beaufortgazette.com