BCAT News

A former treasurer of a Burlington parent, teacher organization will be arraigned on charges related to stealing money from the organization. 

Burlington Police Lt. Michael McDade confirmed to BNEWS that Jonathan Ring, 41, of Burlington, will be arraigned in Woburn District Court on Friday, April 16 on one charge of Embezzlement, one charge of Larceny over $1,200 and one charge of Larceny Under $1,200. 

Lt. McDade said the charges stem from the improper use of a Francis Wyman PTO’s credit card that Ring had in his possession when he was the organization’s treasurer. Ring was the treasurer of the organization for three years and ended his term when this situation arose in the fall of 2020. 

According to bank records obtained by BNEWS and confirmed by police, there were allegedly 11 illegal transactions made on the credit card from March 2, 2020 to November 2, 2020 totaling $3742.96. Police confirmed the card in question was the one issued to Mr. Ring. Most of the transactions were made at a Citizens Bank ATM on Middlesex Turnpike where cash amounts between $300 and $600 were withdrawn. There were also four transactions of $159.99 each, all done on October 7, made to an online website. 

BNEWS reached out to the current Francis Wyman PTO for a comment. This is what the Executive Board said: 

“Last fall we discovered the alleged actions of our former Treasurer, Mr. Ring. At that time we were not able to identify the cause of the missing funds, forcing us to bring this matter to the Burlington Police Department. We were, and still are, heartbroken that the donations the Francis Wyman families entrusted us with have been used in such a manner. We thank our members for their trust and support, and look forward to the day our organization is made whole which will allow us to continue our mission of enriching the educational experience for the Francis Wyman students, and workplace enjoyment for the best elementary staff in Burlington.”

We contacted Mr. Ring about the charges. He said it is his belief that the charges of Embezzlement and Larceny over $1,200 will be dropped and referred us to his attorney for further comment. At the time of this publication his attorney has not replied to calls and texts for comment.