The former treasurer of the South Rutland Elementary Parent Advisory Council has been handed a suspended sentence and will be on probation for three years after pleading guilty to one count of theft over $5,000 following an investigation that found evidence of theft forgery and fraud.
Andrea Blanchard, 49, previously entered a guilty plea to one count of theft over $5,000 after it was revealed that she had defrauded the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) of more than $14,000 while working as the volunteer treasurer.
After being caught in 2018, Blanchard was charged with fraud, theft over $5,000, forgery, using a forged document and altering books or documents to defraud.
At the sentencing hearing on Oct. 28, the court heard that Blanchard used a sophisticated and discreet system to defraud the PAC. Blanchard forged signatures and falsified documents in order to defraud the advisory council.
The PAC works as a charity and is intended to "fill gaps" in funding for school programs for students. Judge Burnett said that by defrauding the program, Blanchard not only breached the trust of the other volunteers and the greater school community but also "severely impacted" students and directly took opportunities away from the youth.
Judge Burnett said that the fraud and theft of funds from the PAC likely contributed to the cessation of the breakfast program, which served underprivileged students. The theft also deprived students of school supplies and field trips.
Blanchard has since repaid all stolen funds and all incurred expenses, including legal fees, to the PAC.
Judge Burnett acknowledged that Blanchard's decision to steal was motivated by "financial issues," at home as she has two teenage children who are both diagnosed as being neurodivergent. Blanchard said that she felt anxious when committing the theft and always intended to repay the money.
Judge Burnett handed Blanchard a suspended sentence for the single charge of theft over $5,000, which she pleaded guilty to in May 2023. While the conviction will be recorded on her criminal record, Blanchard may apply for a pardon after the period of probation.
Blanchard will not serve jail time but will be subject to three years of probation.
