DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The treasurer of a boosters club associated with Paxton-Buckley-Loda schools is accused of stealing $21,000 from the club's bank account. 

Paxton police said Tara Long was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony theft. 

Police said the school district contacted them after noticing fraudulent activity on the PBL Choral Boosters Club bank account. The investigation uncovered 60 withdrawals totaling $21,000. 

Police said the thefts occurred between June 26 and Aug. 17. Long is accused of getting the money through ATM and Cash App transfers. 

PBL CUSD #10 Superintendent Eric Bohm and PBL Choral Boosters President Lindsey Ostendorf sent the following joint statement to WAND News: 

"Yesterday afternoon, we learned that the treasurer of the PBL Choral Boosters was arrested for allegations of theft of Choral Boosters funds managed by the treasurer. Immediately, steps were taken and the treasurer’s access to booster club funds were terminated. The Booster Club is appointing a new treasurer and has implemented revised procedures for financial oversight to ensure that hard-earned fundraising dollars are protected. The PBL Choral Boosters is cooperating fully with the investigation being conducted by the Paxton Police Department.

While the PBL Choral Boosters is a separate entity from Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD 10 and no district funds were involved in this situation, they are an integral partner in our mission to educate the children of our community and we are assisting them in any way that we can. The school district already has strict financial controls in place to avoid situations like this from happening, but everyone will review their procedures in light of this situation."

The statement added that the district has no further comment at this time due to the ongoing investigation. 

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