Lincoln Police Cruiser (Jeff Motz/KFOR News)Anna Warner (Courtesy of Lancaster County Corrections) LINCOLN–(KFOR Mar. 18)–An arrest made in an ongoing investigation dating back to last summer about a possible embezzlement from the Morley Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and involvin g the PTO treasurer. Lincoln Police Public Information manager Erika Thomas says officers took a report last July and LPD’s technical investigations unit did a lengthy and in-depth investigation. They determined that 42-year-old Anna Warner used nearly $15,000 for personal use on dozens of Amazon and Target purchases, and credit card payments between March 2023 and May 2025. Thomas says that money was not used for PTO events, teacher gifts or school functions. Warner was arrested Wednesday for theft by unlawful taking. LPS officials say while the Morley PTO is officially a separate organization from Morley Elementary School and Lincoln Public Schools, their work directly impacts staff, students and families. Here’s the full message sent to Morley parents, provided to KFOR by LPS. Morley families, This is a joint message from Morley and the Morley PTO. There is a situation with the Morley PTO that will likely become public in the media. While the Morley PTO is officially a separate organization from Morley Elementary School, their work directly impacts our staff, students and families. We both feel it is important to be transparent and share this information with Morley families to help answer any questions you might have. During the traditional PTO board leadership change this summer, there were discrepancies found in the financial records. PTO leadership – with the support of Morley and LPS administrators – contacted Lincoln Police for assistance. Through the lengthy in-depth investigation, Lincoln Police uncovered alleged misuse of PTO accounts and funds, and the outgoing PTO treasurer has been arrested for felony theft by unlawful taking over $5,000. Due to the financial amount uncovered so far, this case will most likely gain media attention, and will resurface from time to time as the case works through the judicial system. The outgoing treasurer was removed from the position in November by a vote at a regular PTO meeting. We are unable to comment further while the investigation and case continues. We can share that the PTO has strengthened protocols and practices to ensure they are following the organization bylaws while adding transparency and oversight on all PTO accounts and financial transactions. Key updates include transitioning to a multi-user, check-only bank account that requires two signatures; removing debit and credit cards from use; and replacing the Venmo electronic payment platform with a more secure, automated financial reporting platform. Furthermore, PTO has implemented a structured reimbursement process requiring two-signer approval and formal itemized receipts. All of these measures are supported by improved tracking software, multi-user accessibility, and detailed monthly treasurer’s reports presented at PTO meetings to ensure total transparency. We understand that this is difficult news for our Morley community. The bad decisions of one individual can generate headlines that do not reflect the amazing community we have here. We know our staff and families will come together to support each other and move forward. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work through this process. Brandi Hennerberg Principal Libby Szwanek Morley PTO President   ...read more read less