Laura Marie Donelson, 39, of Crown Point, is facing felony charges after a St. John Police investigation alleged more than $7,000 belonging to the Clark Middle School PTO was improperly spent or withdrawn while she served as the organization’s treasurer.

According to court documents, PTO members provided police with bank records after identifying numerous transactions they believed were unrelated to PTO business. Investigators alleged Donelson had sole access to the PTO account and debit card during the period under review.

Court documents state PTO members identified approximately $2,412.68 in Amazon purchases, $1,058.29 in debit card transactions, and $5,890 in cash withdrawals that required further investigation. Donelson was reportedly given an opportunity to provide receipts and explanations for the transactions but allegedly failed to provide documentation.

According to court documents, investigators later obtained Amazon purchase records through a subpoena. The records showed 125 completed purchases totaling $1,981.13. After reviewing the transactions, PTO board members identified approximately 100 purchases totaling $1,653.78 that they believed had no connection to PTO activities.

Investigators also alleged Donelson made multiple ATM cash withdrawals between May and September 2025. PTO officials told police they had no receipts or documentation accounting for the withdrawals and stated the organization did not conduct events or fundraisers that would have required those withdrawals. Court documents further state many of the withdrawals occurred during June and July when school was not in session.

According to court documents, investigators ultimately alleged Donelson fraudulently withdrew $5,640 from PTO funds and improperly used an additional $1,653.78 for unauthorized purchases, resulting in a total alleged loss of $7,293.78.

Donelson posted a $1,945 cash bond on June 1,2026.

Charges Filed May 29, 2026:

Fraud — Level 6 Felony

Theft — Level 6 Felony