Mississippi PTO Official with Troubles

(Pascagoula, Mississippi) In October 2009, a 35-year-old woman, Michelle Thomas Richardson,was arrested for allegedly embezzling more than $3,000 from the East Central Upper Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Richardson was the PTO's president. She was booked and released on $2,500 bond.

This week, Richardson was arrested again, this time for felony shoplifting and possession of a controlled substance.

The 35-year-old woman was detained at the Super Wal-Mart on Denney Avenue on Saturday. She allegedly had merchandise she hadn’t paid for and police responding to the store found 47 methadone pills in her purse, said Pascagoula Police Capt. Shannon Broom.

Police called for assistance from the Narcotics Task Force of Jackson County.

Methadone is a narcotic pain reliever.

Police said items taken from the store include video games, valued at about $650.

Richardson is in custody at the Jackson County Jail.