Corruption in Fastpitch

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I've been torn for awhile concerning the posting of this information. I feel an obligation to parents and players alike as their are many who don't know or understand the inner workings of large organizations. The organization mentioned had 6 teams in various age groups last season. After the money misuse 5 of the teams disbanded. Bear May allowed me to post this

http://www.middletownjournal.com/ne...s-to-misusing-organizations-funds-470213.html

Softball league founder pleads to misusing organization's funds

By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 11:03 AM Wednesday, December 30, 2009
MIDDLETOWN - A Middletown man has pleaded guilty to misusing funds from a softball organization he founded and served as president.

Chris A. Cain, 32, appeared in Middletown Municipal Court Dec. 21, when he entered the plea to one count of misuse of credit cards for using Sudden Death Softball, a youth girls fast pitch organization, for his personal purchases.

Middletown Police Detective Steve Winters said Cain had been under investigation since September for allegations of theft and embezzlement. A complaint was filed in August by a former organization board member who resigned.
The accounting history of the organization was so bad. "The worst I have ever seen, it took a long time to complete the investigation," Winters said.

Cain used the organization's credit card for installation of satellite cable at his home, according to the detective.

"There was no responsibility for the card or for the account," Winters said.

 

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This is old news, everyone has heard about this. Gregg you dont mention you were part of this org, why bring it up again?

 

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Well I guess I have been waiting for this....

First of, I won't mention any names but most everyone that knows what went on knows who the resigned board member was that filed the complaint. I guess it doen't matter who filed it, it was filed.

The article posted in the original post is a little misleading...(news paper wouldn't do that, would they). The fact is, I pleaded guilty to "misuse of a team credit card". I did use the team card to have a satilite installed at my house. I did not have a personal card and a credit card was required. I talked with the treasure (which was not me) and we agreed that I could give her the money to deposit in exchange for the use. I did not use team funds for personal use. When the investigation started, I was the one that told the detective to look for this on our account.

As for the books being a mess. I can say that there were several people that had access to our team funds.... we were a group that grew to big too fast. I will take some of the blame but let me clarify that the account was not in my name. The bank statements did not come to my house.

I did not nor would I ever use team funds for my personal gain!!! To be blunt again... I did not take money from our group.

One more think I would like to clear up... the original post again was partly correct. We did start the 2009 season with 6 team in our group. However, 1 of those teams folded before the winter season was completed. There were 3 other teams that did not dimantle but did leave the group and started up their own. I still to this day, talk with each of those teams coaches and parents and offer any assistance that is needed. They can speak for themselves but I believe they chose leave because of the drama that was unfolding.... not the investigation itself. I wish those 3 team the best of luck in their efforts to build a new organization.

We do still have 2 teams that compete each week, one of which is mine. Of the team that I coach, 8 of these families have played for me for serveral years and they were updated each and everytime I spoke with the detectives.

I'm not sure what else I can say but if anyone has any question in regards to any information, feel free to contact me. I have nothing to hide and will answer any of your questions.

Chris

 

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Anyone handling team funds should be able to produce a sources and uses report on demand. We have an excellent treasurer and this is a good reminder to me to say MANY THANKS to Jeff Chirdon for handling the funds for all the teams in the Buckeye Heat organization. It's a lot of work and unfortunately until something not quite right occurs, people don't realize how important the treasurer is to the integrity of the organization.

 

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Seems that both sides have stated their case so I'll close this now.