The Wake Forest Elementary Parent Teacher Association [PTA] said it has put more checks and balances in place after its treasurer was arrested.

Anna-Marie Ethridge’s arrest warrant stated that she was accused of embezzling $32,635.34 meant for the Wake Forest Elementary PTA in January 2025.

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“We know trust is essential to our PTA’s mission and to the strong partnership we share with our school community. Please know that we remain fully committed to transparency, responsible stewardship of funds, and supporting our students, teachers, and families,” the Wake Forest Elementary PTA sent in a statement to WRAL News.

Ethridge, 56, was the treasurer of the Wake Forest Elementary PTA at the time of the embezzlement, according to the warrant. She no longer works for the Wake Forest Elementary PTA.

Ethridge’s court appearance on Thursday was less than two minutes.

“I’m not speaking without my attorney,” Ethridge told WRAL News after her court appearance.

Ethridge’s attorney also declined to comment. WRAL News asked the him what Ethridge allegedly spent the money on.

The principal at Wake Forest Elementary sent a message to parents emphasizing that the school and the PTA operate separately.

WRAL News tried calling the number listed for the school’s PTA, but only got a busy tone. WRAL News has requested an interview with PTA leadership and asked the following question in an email:

  • How was her alleged embezzlement discovered?
    • What is the message to families who might now be questioning their trust in the PTA? 

      WRAL News obtained the Wake Forest Elementary PTA’s meeting minutes from the 2024-2025 school year, when Ethridge served as treasurer.

      In the meeting on Jan. 13, 2025, Ethridge reported budget expenses were short $8,000, but that she had no current concerns thanks to additional funds.

      A June 2025 meeting with a new treasurer noted, "Some data may have been missing/lacking updates."

      The meeting minutes showed the board did not have sufficient internal oversight, as required by the NCPTA Bylaws.

      Meeting minutes indicate the board struggled to find additional members to join the PTA. In January 2026, the minutes showed the school's PTA had one member on the audit committee and needed two more. 

      Wake Forest police said they received reports about Ethridge possibly taking money in November 2025.

      Ethridge is due in court again on March 19.