AG: Former Newton PTO Council treasurer pleads guilty to multiple counts

Mar. 13--The former treasurer of the Newton Parent Teacher Organization Council (Newton PTO) pleaded guilty on March 13, to multiple charges in connection with a scheme to steal tens of thousands of dollars in false insurance claims, providing incorrect information on tax refunds, and stealing more than $14,000 from the Newton PTO, according to a press release from Attorney General Maura Healey.

Current PTO Council co-presidents Will Adams and Karen Hite said via email they had never worked with former treasurer Rebeca Craig, they were not on the council in 2014 when the theft took place, and that the organization did not have a lawyer who could issue a statement.

Craig, 37, of Boston, pleaded guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to the following charges:

* Presentation of false claims (11 counts)

* Making a false statement to the tax commissioner (11 counts)

* Submitting a false insurance claim (3 counts)

* Forgery (1 count)

* Larceny over $250 (2 counts)

Craig was sentenced by Judge Robert Tochka to a year and a half in the House of Corrections, followed by two years of probation with several requirements including that she pay restitution and perform community service, according to the press release.

On March 4, Craig pleaded guilty to larceny over $250 (1 count) in Middlesex Superior Court and was sentenced by Judge Kathe Tuttman to two years in the House of Corrections, with one year to serve and the remaining balance suspended for three years, the press release stated.

According to the attorney general, from 2014 through 2019, Craig engaged in various fraudulent schemes and thefts. Several of her alleged schemes involved the submission of falsified or altered documents in support of insurance claims.

Craig also submitted falsified tax returns, resulting in her receipt of tax refunds totaling $13,208 to which she was not entitled, according to the press release.

Finally, Craig, who served as the treasurer for the Newton PTO from 2013 to 2014, funneled $14,593 from the organization to her own personal accounts, the press release stated. After being indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury in March 2019, Craig was arrested and arraigned in August 2019.

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