By admin 
SAN TAN VALLEY (AZFamily) — The former president of a parent-teacher group at EDUPRIZE Schools has been arrested, accused of embezzling more than $200,000 meant for student activities.
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Jocelyn Carranza was arrested Friday outside EDUPRIZE Schools in San Tan Valley. Authorities said she has been under investigation since July when a teacher reported concerns to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities accuse Carranza of embezzling more than $200,000 from the Parent Teacher Network or PTN account. Sheriff Ross Teeple said the money was used on tickets to NASCAR and the theater, along with DoorDash.
The funds were supposed to be used for events like daddy-daughter dances, school field trips and sports.
Teachers left unpaid
Tasha Martz, a teacher at EDUPRIZE, said several of her fellow teachers are out thousands of dollars. They used their own money to cover expenses, believing the PTN would reimburse them. Martz said they are not sure if that money will ever come.
“We were pretty crushed,” Martz said. “Students needed a lot of resources, and they didn’t get them because of that.”
Martz said the reaction on campus was disappointment and disbelief when the alleged misuse first came to light.
Investigation details
Teeple said a teacher became suspicious of the activity and called the sheriff’s office to report the incident in July.
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When asked what explanation Carranza gave during an interview, Teeple said she pleaded the Fifth. He said all information was obtained by search warrants and subpoenas.
The sheriff said more arrests are likely because Carranza transferred $30,000 to a family member.
Group restructures
Parent Teacher Network leaders have since turned the group into a Parent Teacher Organization or PTO, which they say allows for more oversight. In a statement, they wrote, “Since that time, our board has worked diligently to restore those funds, pay outstanding vendor balances and strengthen our bylaws.”
Martz said she hopes the incident does not discourage future donations.
“I mean, I hope not,” Martz said. “EDUPRIZE is an amazing school.”
Carranza declined to comment, citing her attorney.
The school did not respond to requests for comment.
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