Former Williamsville PTSA treasurer repays money she was suspected of stealing
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AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A former Williamsville PTSA Council treasurer has repaid the nonprofit more than $26,000 that she was suspected of stealing.
News 4 Investigates obtained a hand-written notarized agreement from January in which former treasurer Danielle Alba disclosed she took the money from the nonprofit organization, but stops short of explaining the reasons.
The agreement between Alba and council co-presidents Lydia Ramos and Endell Osuna states police would not be notified if she repaid the funds. Council members did not return emails seeking more information.
The agreement includes an admission from Alba that she took the funds over a five-month period beginning in July, which, "I intended to return."
"I advised the co-presidents that I will pay back the funds with the proceeds of the sale of my home on Feb. 28, 2025," Alba wrote in the agreement.
On March 19, the Albas sold the Fruitwood Terrace home for $425,000, according to records filed with the Erie County Clerk's Office. Her husband, Samuel Alba, is the deputy town attorney for Amherst and the village attorney for Depew.
The Williamsville School District said Monday that it is aware of the situation with the PTSA Council's funds.
"This is truly an unfortunate incident," said Williamsville School District spokesman Nicholas Filipowski. "Any further questions or requests for comments should be directed to the Williamsville PTSA Council."
Kyle Belokopitsky, the executive director for the state Parent Teacher Association, confirmed the funds have been repaid. She said an audit confirmed the missing funds. She said whether police are notified of such incidents is on a case-by-case basis, but there aren't specific rules for council members to follow.
Alba did not return calls seeking comment. She told The Buffalo News her addiction to pain medicine clouded her judgment.
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Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.