CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The former president of the Falling Creek Middle School PTA said he did not embezzle more than $4,000 from the volunteer organization funds.
James Hinson, who is no longer on the PTA board according to the organization's minutes, is facing 31 felony embezzlement and forgery charges.
Hinson appeared in front of a Chesterfield County judge for an attorney status hearing Thursday morning. He was emotional as the judge read his multiple charges aloud.
Reporter Brendan King asks James Hinton questions as he exits the courthouse.
Outside of the courthouse, CBS 6 asked Hinson if he stole from the PTA.
“No. Get out of my face, please,” Hinson said as he and a woman got into a car.
Hinson wrote and cashed forged checks from October 2014 to February 2016, according to court documents.
Hinson was still listed as the Falling Creek Middle PTA president during their February meeting, according to minutes. The PTA's account was valued at $13,000 at that time.
Multiple Falling Creek PTA board members contacted by CBS 6 either did not return phone calls or declined to comment on the case.
Parents said they were concerned that they were never notified about the allegations by the PTA or the school.
“They sent no notice home, nothing at all," said Jeanette Ross, who's granddaughter is a seventh grader at the school. "I’m not angry, I’m just a little baffled by it. That somebody would do something like that with [PTA] funds.”
Hinson was appointed an attorney and is due in court again on July 6th.
