DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (Valley News Live) — A former Detroit Lakes Public Schools employee is facing multiple felony theft charges after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from student athletics and activity funds.
Abby Pettit, who served as the Administrative Assistant for the Activities & Athletics Department, resigned in September 2024 following questions about missing money. According to court documents, school officials contacted Detroit Lakes police the same day to report the suspected theft.
Pettit’s job involved collecting and depositing funds from concessions, fundraisers, and other school-related payments. An internal review uncovered multiple discrepancies. Between October and December 2023, approximately $1,500 in cash intended for boys’ hockey warm-up gear went missing. Additionally, only $7,300 of $12,500 was deposited into a school account during that same period. In March 2024, another $4,545 was reported missing from the boys’ basketball fund.
Altogether, Pettit is accused of stealing more than $6,000, and is now facing three felony theft charges.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 26 in Becker County District Court.
