La VERGNE, Tenn. – A former La Vergne Lake Elementary PTO President has been sentenced after a Tennessee Comptroller’s investigation revealed she misappropriated thousands of dollars from the school’s Parent Teacher Organization.

According to investigators, between April 22, 2024, and July 22, 2024, Valency Horton allegedly misappropriated at least $13,130.99 from the PTO by transferring money from the organization’s bank account into her personal Cash App, making ATM withdrawals, and conducting over-the-counter cash withdrawals.

In April 2025, the Rutherford County Grand Jury indicted Horton on three felony charges: Theft of Property ($10,000–$60,000), Violation of the Computer Crimes Act ($10,000–$60,000), and Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card ($10,000–$60,000).

The Comptroller’s report stated that Horton attempted to repay a portion of the funds by depositing $10,305.99 into the PTO’s bank account. However, just two days later, $8,305.99 of that deposit was returned for insufficient funds, leaving the PTO still short $11,130.99. During an interview, Horton admitted she used the PTO funds for personal benefit.

Investigators also noted that one incident involved a deposit into her personal account followed by an ATM withdrawal at Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, Virginia.

This past week, Horton appeared before a Rutherford County judge and was sentenced to three years of state-supervised probation under a Judicial Diversion program. Judicial Diversion is typically available to qualifying first-time or low-level offenders and allows them to avoid a criminal conviction if they successfully complete their probationary period. Under her probation sentence, she will have to participate in check-ins with the Murfreesboro probation office on a regular and routine basis.

The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office emphasized the importance of oversight and accountability in PTO organizations to protect funds raised for the benefit of schools and students.