CMS elementary PTO member accused of embezzling funds for personal expenses
A Lansdowne Elementary School parent-teacher organization member was charged with embezzling about $15,000 for personal expenses, according to court records.
Ashley Seymour, 41, was charged with embezzlement on Feb. 26 after Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were told about fraudulent use of funds from the PTO account, according to a police affidavit filed in court.
The affidavit said Seymour used a PTO-issued card multiple times between October 2024 and December 2025. She was also accused of having cash from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools events.
“I want to assure you that this does not affect school operations, classroom instruction, or the safety of our students or staff in any way,” said Lansdowne Elementary Principal Susan Gann-Carroll in a message to families.
The PTO’s executive board filed a police report, her message said.
“The PTO’s executive board has ensured continuity of leadership and remains committed to supporting our students and school community,” Gann-Carroll said in the message. “Because this is an active law enforcement investigation, we are limited in what additional details we can share at this time.”
Bond for Seymour was set at $15,000. She was released after posting bond, according to the jail.
Seymour was previously charged with embezzlement in 2020, according to court records. She was convicted and ordered to pay $99,000 in restitution.
Court records said Seymour was embezzling checks made payable to Planet Recycling, Inc., where she was an employee, and using credits cards. She embezzled over $120,000 from the company, the records said.
Seymour did not immediately respond to a call from The Charlotte Observer on Thursday requesting comment.
