Crooked Long Island PTA vice president steals $14K

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

Hope Livingston, a former PTA vice president and treasurer in Long Island, pleaded guilty to grand larceny after stealing over $14,000 from the Sag Harbor Elementary School PTA between 2021 and 2024. This case underscores the critical need for stringent oversight in school fundraising groups to protect community trust and ensure funds support educational purposes.

A former Parent Teacher Association (PTA) vice president in Long Island has pleaded guilty to grand larceny after admitting to stealing more than $14,000 from the Sag Harbor Elementary School PTA over a three-year period. Hope Livingston, 50, admitted to misappropriating funds between July 2021 and June 2024, Suffolk County prosecutors announced.

Livingston, who also served as PTA treasurer for part of that time, used a debit card linked to the PTA’s bank account, intended solely for school-related expenses, to make unauthorized personal purchases. Among the reported expenses were transactions at retailers including Lululemon, Amazon, Target, and Costco.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized the breach of trust, stating that stealing from a school’s PTA represents not only a legal violation but a profound betrayal of the community and its children. Tierney also pledged continued vigilance against financial misconduct.

As part of the resolution, Livingston is expected to repay approximately $14,500 in restitution. Further details regarding sentencing have not been disclosed. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding funds raised to support educational activities and the importance of oversight within school organizations.

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