Daytona Beach PTA treasurer arrested on theft charges

Diane Holland arrested on grand theft charges

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The treasurer of a Daytona Beach middle school Parent Teacher Association was arrested on charges of stealing $25,000 from the organization.

Diane Holland, 52, was arrested Tuesday on charges of grand theft. 

Holland was the treasurer of the PTA at David C. Hinson Sr. Middle School, school officials said.  An investigation was launched in March when it was noticed that money was missing from the school's PTA account, police said.

Police said Holland admitted she stole more than $25,000 from the PTA fund.

PTA President Jennifer Dietz said the money was supposed to go toward technology, field trips and class parties.

"We were outraged," Dietz said. "Parents were outraged."

Daytona Beach police said Holland turned herself in to authorities after a warrant was obtained for her arrest. 

Holland told police she needed the money for a surgery for her daughter and apologized profusely before turning herself in. Dietz told Local 6 that she thought Holland's daughter had surgery a few weeks ago, but in recent months, Holland moved into a Port Orange home, not far from the water, with a new car parked in the driveway.

Holland taken to the Volusia County Jail, and later posted bond and was released.

Dietz said that the PTA is insured for $10,000 and is hoping a judge orders Holland to pay back the rest.

Holland told Dietz that she meant to pay all of the money back with her tax refund but everything snowballed and never got a chance to.


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