PALM HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) – Pinellas County detectives are calling a “personal foul” against the president of a youth football league.
They’re accusing Leonard Anderson of siphoning off almost $30,000.
The Suncoast Youth Football conference strives to teach teamwork and respect to young men and women.
It trains players and cheerleaders.
The new league president has known Anderson for 14 years.
“It was really frustrating and disheartening to see this happen at that point,” said Ron Wimbush.
The 12 teams in the conference play at parks and schools across the county.
Azalea Middle School welcomes the “Bulldogs.”
But the thefts made 2017 a lean season, with little money to buy footballs or trophies.
“It was one of those where you kind of sit back and say, ‘no, I don’t think he could do that.’ But then when you’re able to sit down and actually look at everything, I was like,’ okay, now we really have to bring this to light,'” said Wimbush.
A financial audit spotted the missing cash.
Cops say Anderson bought items for himself, including a mobile home in the Southwind Mobile Home Park in Palm Harbor.
News Channel 8 paid a visit, but a woman slammed the door when we asked for Mr. Anderson.
Lennie Anderson is out of jail on bond. The entire episode is an eye-opener for the league.
“There are a lot more checks and balances in place then it was before,” said Ron Wimbush.
Wimbush said this all happened as the league was moving from one treasurer to another.
Lennie Anderson is charged with a single count of grand theft.
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