Published on: August 22, 2025, at 12:36h.
Updated on: August 21, 2025, at 01:52h.
- Former Maryland PTA president accused of embezzling $900K
- Allegations state some funds were used for gambling
- Federal prosecutors are investigating the allegations
Reports indicate that federal prosecutors are examining the financial dealings of the former president of the now-defunct Maryland PTA (Parent Teacher Association).
In a shocking revelation detailed by The Baltimore Sun, LaTonja Carrera, 51, has been accused of illegally obtaining more than $900K from the nonprofit organization she directed from November 2020 until October 2022.
Attorney Seth Waxman, a former federal prosecutor based in Washington, D.C., recently revealed that he was asked to provide documentation linked to an audit he conducted on Carrera and the Maryland PTA back in 2022, while serving as a court-appointed receiver. This audit was initiated following a lawsuit from the National PTA against Carrera and the Maryland PTA Board of Directors.
Waxman’s findings contributed to the National PTA’s lawsuit, which concluded in October 2024, resulting in the dissolution of the Maryland PTA, which once included 800 local chapters and 130,000 volunteers.
Following this, the National PTA established the Free State PTA as the sole authorized PTA body in Maryland.
Investigation into Gambling Misappropriation
The Baltimore Sun reports that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has launched an investigation into Carrera and the previous Maryland PTA board. In May 2023, Carrera received a 12-month prison sentence related to a felony of financial exploitation.
According to comments made to the Sun, Waxman decided to drop his case against Carrera after concluding that recovering the estimated $900K she allegedly stole from the PTA would be unlikely.
His audit revealed that she used PTA funds for two lavish vacations in Las Vegas with her partner, Quincy Gant, costing around $13K.
Waxman disclosed that she even sought out magical spells in hopes of winning at slot machines, spending over $27K on these spells, which included “The Gambler’s Amulet,” the “Slot Machine Gambling Spell,” and the “Bring Me Money Spell.”
Unfortunately, these spells did not yield the desired results, as the audit indicated that Carrera withdrew over $50K using Maryland PTA debit cards through 76 ATM withdrawals at eight different casinos, including MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Arundel Mills.
Additionally, Carrera allegedly used PTA debit funds to gamble at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, as well as in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and the now-closed Monte Carlo.
During their time in Las Vegas, Carrera and Gant reportedly spent $4,400 on accommodations at MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay, indulged in a $375 dinner at the Strat’s Top of the World, and paid $375 for tickets to the performance of Michael Jackson “One.”
Understanding PTAs
Parent-teacher associations are vital in fostering engagement between parents and their children’s education. These associations typically include teachers, staff, and parents who convene regularly to address various school-related issues.
PTAs are affiliated with the National PTA and are required to pay dues and adhere to its regulations. The National PTA charges $3.25 per member each month, while state PTAs often impose an additional monthly fee, with the Free State PTA charging $2.25 per member.