Couple Steals Money from kids

[Tyek]

http://www.insidesocal.com/news247/2009 ... propr.html

Two executive board members have been dismissed from leadership roles in a Rialto youth soccer league following allegations they misappropriated a substantial sum of money from the league's treasury.

In a letter posted on the Rialto Youth Soccer League's Web site, the Board of Directors called the situation "distressing," and told league participants that findings from a preliminary examination of financial records have been reported to city officials and law enforcement.

Authorities are investigating the matter, and the two officials have been relieved of all duties pending the outcome of the investigation, league administrators said.

They wouldn't confirm the officials' names, declining comment Friday because of the ongoing investigation.

Calls to the Police Department were not returned.

The nonprofit league, which operates on registration fees, fundraisers and donations from sponsors, is saddled with numerous unpaid expenses, including reimbursements owed to many of its members, officials wrote in the letter.

They will use reserve funds to pay off some of the league's bills, officials said. The league's suppliers and sanctioning organization have indicated they are willing to work with officials on remaining obligations.

Officials said they are sifting through the league's financial records to try to "piece together our assets and liabilities," and are implementing procedures to prevent a similar situation from occurring again.

Directors recently elected for the 2009-10 season have taken their seats on the board.

This is a crazy story. My kids play in this league during the regular season. I know the couple who stole the money and I am stunned. In addition to this, they stole another 90K in funds from a customer on a project they were working on. They essentially stole $30,000 from kids. Unbelieveable. The league has additional funds that were not taken, but it is a huge blow for the next season in terms of uniforms, refs, etc...

[sarlen]

We went through something similar with our youth bowling league a few years back. Its a shame that people like this are out there and preying on organizations that are out there for the sole benefit of the community and the kids are the ones who pay the price in the end.

[Winnow]

It's tough times! Kids don't know any better. They'll be happy running around in white T-Shirts with numbers spray painted on the backs. If you're going to steal, steal from kid's entertainment money. There's plenty of fun kids can have with little to no equipment!

[Sueven]

There's plenty of fun kids can have with little to no equipment!

Amazingly enough, this is equally true for adults.

[Tyek]

Update, looks like this guy and his wife actually stole as much as 100K from the league plus 200K from a customer of his contracting business. Amazing that people think they would get away with those types of crimes.