By Karen Cirino-Barone
Robinson is the East Rockaway resident who was convicted of falsifying business records and grand larceny for embezzling more than $16,000 from the Centre Avenue PTA during her time as treasurer from October 2000 to October 2001.
"My house was in foreclosure and I was desperate to save it," said Robinson, 40. "In my eyes, I did it for my children. I knew it was wrong, but at the time I looked at it as borrowing from a fund, and I had every intention of paying the money back."
Before that could happen, Robinson's actions were discovered and she eventually turned herself in to the district attorney. Convicted in November 2001, she was sentenced to one month of weekend jail time at the Nassau County Correctional Facility in East Meadow. Robinson began serving her time that Thanksgiving weekend, and she reported to the facility on Fridays at 6 p.m. and was held through Sunday evenings.
Robinson says she endured the humiliation and fear of jail by focusing on her children and the unborn child she carried at the time. Five months pregnant, she was remanded to a 5- by 6-foot cell among the general jail population, which included convicts serving time for murder and assault.
"It was living torture, and I didn't think I would get through it," Robinson remembers.
The light at the end of the tunnel was her baby's birth on April 10, 2002. "God sent him to help me get through this," said Robinson.
With her sentence completed just a year ago, Robinson now faces five years' probation and a lifetime of remorse. "I want people to know I am deeply sorry," she said. "I never intended to hurt anyone, and with the help of therapy I have learned to face my demons and move on. I paid dearly for my mistake and so did my children."
Robinson lost not only her house, but her job as a teacher's assistant at Rhame Avenue Elementary School. Even so, her family -- her husband, Kenny; Kenny Jr., 12; Tanner, 10; Kaitlin, 8, and 8-month-old Joseph -- continue to live in East Rockaway, a choice that surprised the community.
"I lost everything, but I know I brought this on myself," said Robinson. "I decided to stay in East Rockaway because my children love this town and so do I."
She spoke candidly about her personal issues and her desire to heal herself and her family. She quietly runs her errands in different towns to avoid scrutinizing eyes. She lovingly cares for her children, but continues to shy away from school activities.
"I can never be class parent or sit on the school board in this district," Robinson said. "I accept that, but I can still do my part for my children. I'm speaking out at this time to let people know that what I did was not vindictive. It was a poor attempt to keep my home and my family in East Rockaway."
She was quick to thank the people who have stuck by her throughout her ordeal. Many even wrote letters of support to the court on her behalf, and they continue to help as Robinson slowly tries to resume a normal life. With the encouragement of friends and family, she has started working again.
"They helped me get through it and for the most part, the worst is behind me now," Robinson sighed. "I hope that in time people will forgive me."
