PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police in Montgomery County have arrested the former finance vice president of a youth baseball league for allegedly stealing more than $43,000 from the nonprofit.
Prosecutors said 49-year-old Christopher Pekula, of North Wales, stole from the Montgomery Township Baseball and Softball Association. Pekula was the vice president of finance for the organization from October 2018 to October 2023.
Authorities began investigating last April. The association contacted police after the new vice president found financial discrepancies under Pekula.
Prosecutors said Pekula defrauded the league through cash withdrawals, fabricated self-reimbursements, and false claims made about the organization’s COVID-19 relief loan.
Detectives said Pekula purchased equipment, uniforms and other expenses for the nonprofit using a company card but reimbursed the charges to himself.
“Parents work hard to support nonprofit sports organizations like this one in order to provide their children with the many learning opportunities that come from being on a team and playing sports,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said in a statement. “This group also obtained much-needed federal funding to stay afloat during COVID. The nonprofit’s ability to provide services were placed in jeopardy due to Pekula’s actions.”
Pekula has been charged with multiple counts of theft. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11.