DETROIT (WJBK) - Shantell Bell is accused embezzling $25,000 from George Washington Carver Academy in Highland Park.

The attorney general alleges bell served as treasurer at the school and said she was buying $25,000 worth of textbooks from a place called Platinum, but that Platinum was really her title company and she instead used the money to buy a home on Birchcrest on Detroit's west side.

Investigators say Bell's ex-boyfriend reported her to the academy. They contacted Michigan State Police.

"He is trying to get a good education, and she's taking money from the school. That's messed up," said parent Willie Hawkins.

"Terrible, it's awful," another said.

Parents at the school were shocked by the allegations. Her attorney, Karri Mitchell, denies the charge. He says bell served only as a volunteer board member with no access to the school's finances.

He says Bell's ex-boyfriend has an axe to grind and the charges are simply not true.

"My client is a lifelong resident of the City of Detroit. She is gainfully employed at Sinai-Grace Hospital. She has been employed there for approximately two years. She also has two children here in the city. There is no chance of flight risk," Mitchell said in court.

Bell was given a $25,000 personal bond and is due back in court March 22nd.

From myFOXDetroit.com:  http://www.myfoxdetroit.com