‘It’s not the children’s fault’: Montwood parents want ‘stolen’ band money returned by ex-treasurer

As hundreds of high school band students hit the field for Friday Night football, police say Montwood High’s program is missing tens of thousands of dollars.

“It’s not the children’s fault,” said Veronica Palacios, the vice president of the Montwood High School Ram Band Booster Club.

According to the El Paso Police Department, Stacey Telles allegedly stole “about $50,000” from the band over an eight-month period.

“(We’re) frustrated, angry,” said Celina Hernandez, a parent involved in the booster club. “(We’re) unsure how we’re going to replace some of those instruments that they’re playing right now, because they’re thirty years old.”​

Hernandez said the money was intended to replace instruments, pay for competition fees, provide t-shirts and water for the students.

“The children are going to be hurting from it,” said Palacios.

Parents are hoping the money is returned in full. Police say Telles made 78 withdrawals in $100, $400 and $500 amounts. They also say she made 7 transactions with that debit card at Dollar Tree, UPS and Google King.

“The best outcome is that she didn’t use any of the money and that she just gives it back,” said Hernandez.

“The children are going to be hurting from it,” Palacios.

KVIA 2019