DENTON, Texas — The former treasurer of the Denton-Guyer Wildcats Football Booster Club is facing a state jail felony after admitting to investigators with Denton Police that she stole $15,826.48 from the organization for personal use, according to arrest documents.
Shauna Martin, 43, is now charged with property theft between $2,500 and $30,000, which is punishable by 180 days to 2 years in jail, including a $10,000 fine.
According to a Denton Police Department spokesperson, Denton Guyer High School officials notified the department that money had been stolen from the booster club in April.
When detectives started reviewing the account more closely, the spokesperson said Martin had made multiple purchases unrelated to the booster club.
In May, the spokesperson said that investigators interviewed Martin, who admitted to using the money for personal expenditures, though DPD wouldn't specify what the money was used for.
Martin turned herself in on June 17 and bonded out the same day.
Per the UIL, booster club funds can be used for many purposes, such as pre-game meals, travel expenses and supplies.
WFAA is still waiting to hear back from the organization, whose account will now be audited, per a Denton ISD spokesperson.
DISD sent this statement Thursday afternoon:
"This is a really unfortunate situation brought on by a series of irresponsible decisions of an adult booster. Even though Denton ISD has no oversight over booster organizations, school leaders are currently working with members of local law enforcement to investigate the situation in its entirety, and the organization's financial records will be immediately audited. If wrongdoing is proven, the individual(s) will be personally held accountable, including prosecution.
Since this is an open and active investigation involving a non-employee, we would direct you to our partners at the Denton Police Department for any further information.
Denton ISD has financial protocols in place for booster clubs and support organizations and sets clear expectations for how donations and funds should be handled. The district partners with district volunteer organizations and hosts an annual training where these expectations are reinforced. Clearly, in this isolated case, the protocols were not followed.
School leaders will work to address any trips, events, and experiences that may be impacted by this unexpected deficit and try to minimize the impact on our very deserving, hardworking students. We value the trust our students and community place in our leaders, and it is very disappointing when the poor decisions of one individual risk negatively impacting our students."
WFAA left messages for Martin but hasn't heard back as of Thursday night. A record of her attorney could not be found.
The Guyer football team will square off with Aledo on Aug. 30 at home. Aledo won the 5A Division 1 state championship last season.