MARYSVILLE – The Shoultes Elementary School PTSA is still waiting for a case to come to court involving its former treasurer allegedly embezzling almost $11,378.

The Marysville Police Department has finished its investigation. It is under review by the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office. MPD recommended two felony charges: one for embezzlement and one for forgery.

Shoultes-area resident James Perrin is among a group frustrated with how long it is taking to get restitution.

Police records obtained through a public records request show that the 34-year-old woman admitted she took the funds, although she disagreed that it was that much.

Probable cause papers that led to her arrest say the former treasurer lost her job and ran out of money. She said she took the money only as a loan with the intent to pay it back.

“When she couldn’t find a job, it got out of control,” the records say.

The ex-treasurer “kept saying she was very sorry, and she wanted to make it right. She said she plans on paying back the PTA as soon as she gets a job.”

On Jan. 29, she said she had a new job and planned to start paying back the money.

PTSA officials would not say if that was taking place.

Police reports say the woman wrote at least 21 checks to herself without permission from the PTSA board. She also reportedly forged a signature on the checks at least 19 times.

Amber Buehler, who was president of the PTSA last year, said she could not comment on an active case.

However, she did send The Marysville Globe a letter that went out to the school’s parents last year.

It says that the PTSA board of directors became suspicious of some transactions in its bank account.

An audit confirmed money was missing.

The board opened a new bank account, improved methods of dealing with finances and asked the treasurer to resign, which she did.

Buehler said in her statement to police that at first, when confronted by the board, the suspect said a wrong account number was used. But six days later she asked to speak with Buehler in private, where she reportedly confessed.

Perrin said since the woman confessed, it should be a “simple deal.” But he said he was told it was a low priority for the prosecutor’s office because it’s not a violent crime.

Perrin, who is a grandfather to some Shoultes students, said he is irked because the PTSA has fundraisers “left and right.”

“Why bother?” he asked. “Why help?” if someone is allowed to just take money and not pay it back.

Buehler said the PTSA continues to cooperate with police to get restitution.

“The parents of Shoultes are a close community, and we’re bouncing back from this stronger than ever,” she said in an email.

“Amber did an excellent job handling the situation,” school district spokeswoman Emily Wicks said.

“She caught the inconsistencies in their financing, immediately turned it over to the police, and notified families through email, social media and letters home. Our district is thankful for parents like Amber who work hard to support their local school without any recognition and regardless of the challenges put before them.”