Uwharrie Charter Academy PTO treasurer charged with embezzlement

ASHEBORO — The former treasurer of Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization has been charged with a felony after investigators say she embezzled tens of thousands of dollars from the organization.

According to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on September 18th, 2023, investigators received a report of embezzlement at Uwharrie Charter Elementary School located in Asheboro, NC. School officials reported suspicious activity following an internal audit of the Parent Teacher Organization’s (PTO) financial records.

The Sheriff’s Office says detectives uncovered evidence that substantiated the school’s findings and identified Julie W. McNeill, the former treasurer of the PTO, as the suspect. Detectives sought a warrant for felony embezzlement, which was granted by the Randolph County magistrates office.

According to that warrant, McNeill while acting as a fiduciary for the PTO, is accused of embezzling $22,958.05. It’s unclear when McNeill left her position as the school’s website still shows her in that position. UCA’s main office could not be reached for comment today.

On December 13th, 2023, Julie W. McNeill was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and processed at the Randolph County Jail. The magistrate imposed a $20,000 secured bond for the single count of Felony Embezzlement.

McNeill is listed as the Vice President of Upton Accounting Inc. in Seagrove. James Upton Ill, owner of the company, says that McNeill is no longer associated with the firm after he accepted her resignation and stated a review showed that none of the firm’s clients were affected.

McNeill’s profile says she is a member of the National Society of Accountants and North Carolina Society of Accountants, who lists her as a past president. A newsletter from the organization says McNeill has served in the past as an officer of the Asheboro Junior Women’s Club and a former board member of the Randolph Family Crisis Center in Asheboro.

Ms. McNeill had no comment when reached by the Randolph Record.

The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing and urges anyone with additional information to contact the office.