The former president of the Ashland Little League, a staple of summer athletics in the Hanover County town for more than four decades, is being accused of embezzlement.
A search warrant filed last week in Hanover Circuit Court states that an investigation into the loss of more than $23,000 began March 8 when members of the league board approached investigators with a document saying former president Lynn Newell “had taken monies from ALL totaling $23,763.”
A document referred to in the court records is “an agreement … signed by Newell … stating that she had taken monies from ALL” and “would repay all of the aforementioned amount” of $23,763.13. It was not clear in court records to what extent the money has been repaid.
Ashland police searched Newell’s house under terms of the warrant. No criminal charges have been filed.
Newell, who was president of the league last year, declined to comment when reached Thursday; Ashland Police declined to comment except to say that the investigation is ongoing.
The court document shows that Newell is accused of falsifying signatures, allowing her to withdraw funds from league accounts. Key transactions were captured on bank video cameras, according to the search warrant, and included deposits of league funds into accounts partly controlled by Newell.
Vernon E. Inge Jr., a lawyer who represents the league, said Ashland Little League “is in solid financial shape and will be continuing to deliver the kind of baseball and softball experience that our young people have expected and enjoyed for more than four decades.
“We are cooperating with the investigation in any way we can.”
Opening day is scheduled for next month.
The court document also says Newell volunteered to help set up an account in her name to offset medical and other costs associated with the recovery of a Hanover County child who had been severely injured in an automobile crash last year.
The court document states that the mother of the child, a friend of Newell’s, became concerned when there appeared to be no record of payments friends told her they had made into the fund to defray medical costs. The injured youth is doing well, his family said Thursday, asking for privacy.
The search warrant says Newell told prospective donors to make payments for the youth out to “Lynn Newell.” Bank officials told investigators, according to the court document, that checks made out to the recovery fund were transferred to various family accounts controlled by Newell.
Ashland Little League parents were informed Thursday about an investigation involving league funds, but no details were provided.
“We are asking for your trust, confidence, and support,” parents were told as the league moves to better secure its financial safeguards and continue with new programs and physical improvements.
“We continue to invest in upgrading our facilities and equipment to create the best experience we can for our families,” the letter said.
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