I-Team: Former Youth Football President Charged With Stealing From Program
PEABODY (CBS) - The former president of Peabody Youth Football and Cheering is facing criminal charges in the wake of a WBZ I-Team investigation.
Jacqui Pence was arraigned in Peabody District Court on Friday, accused of stealing at least $27,000 from the program and making purchases at restaurants, retail stores and paying personal credit cards.
Pence was the focus of a September I-Team investigation, which uncovered thousands of dollars in questionable expenses.
Parents and coaches contacted the I-Team when they grew concerned about the safety of their kids' helmets and other equipment.
Within a week of the investigation, Pence was forced out and the league's financial records were turned over to police.
"The amount of money that was taken is overwhelming," parent Andrea Walsh told the I-Team on Friday. "It's disgusting. People barely getting by are putting their kids in a youth program with crappy equipment. Meantime, she's out living a life she clearly can't keep up with. It's just wrong."
Craig Masone, a parent and coach in the league, is glad someone is being held accountable.
He said the controversy serves as a lesson to parents everywhere to stay vigilant and ask questions about their kids' youth sports programs.
"It's sad when stuff like this happens because you're taking money away from kids who don't know any better," Masone said outside the courthouse. "I'm glad I spoke out because I didn't want to see any kids get hurt."
According to a police report by Deputy Chief Martin Cohan, other people listed on the board of directors said Pence was the only person who controlled the finances. A secretary told police Pence ran it like "a dictatorship."
Pence met with police to go line by line through the league's bank statements. According to the police report, she admitted to making a number of personal transactions at retail stores, gas stations, restaurants and ATM withdrawals.
But Cohan's investigation indicated there was likely more misappropriated money than the $27,712.81 he tallied.
"There were a number of transactions that could not be explained by her or the record itself," he wrote.
Pence entered a plea of not guilty and was ordered not to have contact with anyone in the league or witnesses. She is due back on January 27.
After her arraignment, Pence ran from the courthouse as the WBZ I-Team tried to ask questions.
When Pence left the program, it was nearly broke. However, parents and players rallied and raised more than $30,000 to keep it afloat. There is optimism heading into next season.
"I'm just glad somebody stood up and did the right thing," Walsh said. "It's nice to see the community helping the kids."
Ryan Kath can be reached at rkath@cbs.com. You can follow him on Twitter or connect on Facebook.