A Yulee Little League president has been jailed after an investigation determined nearly $100,000 was stolen from the youth baseball organization, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
William Harold Reynolds III, 39, was charged with first-degree grand theft of $20,000 or more and scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, Sept. 12 court records show. He was jailed in lieu of $30,000 bail.
The Sheriff’s Office said the league contacted authorities in May after its board discovered financial irregularities involving Reynolds. He is accused of using at least $94,000 in league funds for personal, unauthorized purchases.
Investigators linked Reynolds to the league’s debit card being repeatedly used without authorization since Jan. 1, 2024, racking up purchases such as nearly $13,000 from Amazon and about $3,000 at gas stations and $4,000 at restaurants, the Sheriff’s Office said.
“It’s shameful to steal from children,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “Little leagues help make kids’ dreams a reality.”
The Times-Union has requested Reynolds’ arrest report for more details.
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It is reminiscent to another arrest in April when a Nassau County church secretary was arrested after being linked to embezzled funds on purchases of concert, baseball game, SeaWorld and airlines tickets, hotel and Airbnb stays, cruise lines and even a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.
Melissa Ganey English was charged with grand theft over $100,000 and is awaiting trial. Her next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9, according to court records.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Yulee Little League president is arrested in nearly $100,000 theft