A Cumberland County mother is accused of stealing thousands of dollars, from a fund that was supposed to buy new playground equipment for students at Bellaire Elementary. North Middleton Township police charged 33-year-old Kristen Trolinger with money laundering and theft.

Police say Trolinger stole $22,000 while she was working as the school's PTO treasurer.  They say she held that position until March, 2007, when it was discovered money was missing.

"It's horrible," said Detective Tim Lively.  "It's unspeakable."

Lively said students earned the money through fundraisers.  "These children are out there working hard to raise money for their school," he said. 

Police say this isn't the first time Trolinger has been accused of theft.  Carlisle Police say she stole money from the Carlisle Community Nursery School.  She was charged in that incident last year.

Police allege Trolinger stole money from the PTO to refund the nursery school, after her actions were discovered there.

Trolinger's attorney, Hubert Gilroy, said she will try to make full restitution to the school.  He says she's paid about $12,000 back so far.

"It was a mistake," Gilroy said.  "And she's certainly suffering the implications of those thefts.

Bellaire Elementary officials say the case has changed the way the PTO handles money.

"We do double check our numbers," said past President Jen Lloyd.  "Usually three people now count the cash and the checks."

"Kristen is a good person that was very active," said Principal Jim Burgess.  "It's amazing when ordinary people do uncharacteristic things that you don't expect."

"It was a disappoinment and a shock," Burgess said.

Lloyd said the school was able to scrounge enough money to complete the playground project.