The Southaven High School Band Boosters are appealing to the community for donations after a significant amount of money was allegedly stolen by the group’s former treasurer according to reporting from DeSoto County News.
Krystina Thompson, 47, of Southaven, was arrested on July 21 and charged with embezzlement following an internal audit that revealed what the board described as “a lot of mismanagement and mishandling of the money.” The theft came to light in March after a fundraising company alerted school officials to a past-due balance. Thompson was removed from her position immediately, according to Band Boosters President Traci Filson. She was released on bond two days after her arrest.
“It saddens us that a fellow board member who had a student in the band, and someone we considered a friend, would betray everyone’s trust by stealing from the students,” the board said in a statement.
The missing funds were earmarked for essential band expenses, including uniforms, instrument rentals, transportation to competitions, and food for students during events. Filson noted that band camp alone costs about $3,500 annually.
In response to the incident, the boosters have updated their bylaws to include stricter safeguards to prevent future financial misconduct. They have also assured supporters that all donations received since March 11 have been properly handled.
The organization is actively raising money to cover the shortfall and ensure the upcoming season can proceed as planned. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1975, Southaven, MS 38671, or made via the club’s Cash App, accessible through a QR code on the boosters’ website.
Filson encouraged anyone who wishes to help to contribute in whatever way they are most comfortable. “If anybody wants to… they can mail a donation to us too, if they’re more comfortable with that,” she said.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
