The US Attorney’s Office in Maryland has initiated criminal proceedings against the former president of the Maryland Parent Teacher Association (PTA), LaTonja Carrera, 51, accusing her of misusing almost $1 million in public funds on expenses such as voodoo sex spells, luxury vacations, and gambling.
Former Maryland PTA Executive Under Suspicion of Using Embezzled Money for Gambling and Other Practices
According to authorities, Carrera embezzled more than $900,000 from COVID-19 relief funds, private grants, and PTA membership dues. It’s said she used the money to bankroll a lavish lifestyle that included casino trips, spiritual services, and magic spells.
According to The Baltimore Sun, the investigation into Carrera was first revealed by attorney and former federal prosecutor Seth Waxman, who conducted a forensic audit of the financially troubled Maryland PTA in 2022. That audit uncovered a web of alleged financial misconduct, including what Waxman described as a “money laundering scheme” involving 11 separate bank accounts.
Prosecutors say Carrera left behind a conspicuous trail of financial evidence. The audit documents reportedly show more than $50,000 in ATM withdrawals across 70 transactions at eight casinos. Locations included Maryland, Philadelphia, North Carolina, and Las Vegas. An additional $88,000 was withdrawn from non-casino ATMs.
What Did Carrera Spent Money On?
Court documents suggest Carrera spent over $13,000 on what was described as a “romantic” trip to Las Vegas. Her spending also allegedly extended into the spiritual realm, with $27,000 directed toward psychic readings, spiritual services, and magical rituals, including a “Bring Me Money Spell” and a “Slot Machine Gambling Spell.”
One particularly unusual claim, reported by FOX Baltimore, alleges Carrera purchased a spell intended to break up the marriage of Quincy Gant, who later became her romantic partner.
In a further financial twist, records show Carrera filed for bankruptcy in 2016 and currently owes over $3 million to more than 70 creditors.
Waxman, who turned over his audit findings to the US Attorney’s Office in Maryland and the FBI, said the Maryland PTA is unlikely to recover the stolen funds through civil means. He expressed hope that “financial recovery could be achieved through a criminal action.” The case is now in the hands of federal prosecutors.