Monroe, NC – A Union County PTSO treasurer is accused of diverting more than $309,000 in organizational funds for online gambling, prompting an active and expanding investigation this week.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the School Resource Officer at Cuthbertson High School was notified on November 12, 2025, about potential financial irregularities within the Cuthbertson High School Parent Teacher Student Organization, a nonprofit that supports school programs and activities. The initial concern centered on possible misuse of funds logged in recent financial reports.
According to investigators, an early audit indicated that the treasurer, Rachel Cluna, had allegedly shifted PTSO funds into online gambling platforms. Detectives said preliminary findings identified 61 suspicious transactions totaling approximately $85,000 tied to online betting activity.
As the investigation moved forward, authorities uncovered what they described as a broader pattern of unauthorized withdrawals and financial activity. In total, detectives reported discovering $309,360 in misappropriated funds since the start of their review.
The Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensic Examiner is currently evaluating 14 electronic devices for additional insight into how the money was moved, how long the activity may have been occurring, and whether additional parties or accounts were involved. Officials said the case remains open and additional charges may be possible as more evidence is analyzed.
Cluna was charged with embezzlement and received a $100,000 bond. No court date has been released as of Wednesday.
Community leaders and parents across Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, and the broader Union County area have voiced concern about the scale of the losses, noting the PTSO funds are typically used for classroom supplies, school activities, and student support programs.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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