QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. — A former parent-teacher leader at an Eduprize charter school has been arrested on suspicion of fraud, according to local reporting, deepening a financial scandal that parents say has been brewing for months.
The woman, identified as Jocelyn Carranza, previously served as president of the school's parent-teacher network and was removed from that role after concerns about missing money surfaced. Her arrest has renewed questions among parents and volunteers who say the group's finances have been under review for some time.
Arrest and allegations
As reported by 12News, Carranza was taken into custody Monday on an allegation of fraud tied to the parent-teacher organization. The station reports that investigators believe as much as $100,000 was diverted from the group's accounts. Booking or charging documents were not immediately available, and it was not clear from the report whether prosecutors had formally filed charges or when Carranza might appear in court.
Earlier probe found missing money
Back in August 2025, a former member of the parent group told KJZZ that roughly $275,000 was unaccounted for, and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office confirmed a theft investigation was underway. Meeting minutes reviewed by the station showed Carranza controlled the group's bank account and was later removed by new leaders who pledged a full financial review.
A former events coordinator told KJZZ, "we learned she was the only one on the account the whole time," capturing the frustration of volunteers who say donations and expenses never seemed to match.
The parent-teacher network's records
According to nonprofit filings compiled by ProPublica, the Eduprize Schools Parent Teacher Network Association reported $85,189 in revenue and $118,391 in net assets on its most recent Form 990. Those filings list Carranza in an officer role on past returns, which lines up with meeting records shared with reporters.
The documents themselves do not spell out why volunteers later flagged discrepancies or how much money might ultimately be missing.
What the law says
Arizona law classifies theft by the value of what is taken and increases penalties as the dollar amounts climb, with limited options for probation and early release once losses reach six figures, according to state statutes summarized by Justia. Theft of $25,000 or more can be charged as a higher-level felony, and prosecutors can also consider related counts such as fraud or forgery depending on what investigators say they find.
Any formal charges in this case will ultimately be decided by the county attorney after investigators complete their file.
School response and next steps
Eduprize Schools did not immediately respond to requests for comment. New parent-teacher network leaders told KJZZ they restructured the group and launched a financial review once concerns were raised.
Parents and volunteers told reporters they are still trying to sort out how donations were spent and what, if anything, is left. Some said planned events have been put on hold while the books are untangled. Investigators have not released detailed charging paperwork, and local outlets report the inquiry remains active.
