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NEW CUMBERLAND - The longtime treasurer of the Oak Glen Junior Bears Baseball Association has been arrested on suspicion of embezzling at least $11,000 from the youth athletic league.
David Andrew Brown, of Chester, was arrested Tuesday, according to Magistrate Court records, and charged with one felony count of embezzlement. He has since posted the $20,000 bond, and is scheduled to next appear in Hancock County Magistrate Court Aug. 12.
Hancock County Detective Scott Little has been investigating the case, explaining members of the association's board, most of whom had been newly elected in December, came to the Sheriff's Department after noticing what they thought were abnormal practices in the financial records of the association, going back over the last few years.
"They reached out to me in June," said Little. "They noted there were some inconsistencies."
Information provided by the association seemed to indicate the purchase of various personal items using association funds, including through Sam's Club, utility bills from First Energy, and purchases through the United States Postal Service, according to the criminal complaint filed in the case.
Suspicions also were raised over cash from concession sales not matching bank deposits and non-payment for prizes in drawings held by the association.
Subpoenas were filed with First Energy, Amazon, Walmart, Sam's Club and the Postal Service, with Little also obtaining banking records for the Junior Bears Baseball and Brown at Hancock County Savings Bank, with the initial investigation covering 2024, 2025, and 2026.
To date, Little said, the investigation found two checks from Junior Bears Baseball used to pay for Brown's personal power bill, for a total of $275.52, three purchases through the Postal Service for money orders - all in 2025 and for $100 each - used to pay for credit card accounts in the names of Brown and his two daughters; the use of bank debit cards and Amazon accounts for the association to purchase personal items including socks, shirts, underwear, grooming supplies, motor vehicle parts, ceiling fans, and more for a total of $1,564.02; the league's Sam's Club account was used for personal grooming items, food, gift cards, home cleaning supplies, home security camera systems, and water cooler dispensers for $5,530.89; and $3,521.52 through Wal-Mart for vacuum cleaners, food, grooming items, cleaning supplies, motor vehicle cleaning supplies and laundry supplies.
Little contacted Brown on July 20 to discuss the investigation, with a meeting held July 21.
"During the interview, he admitted the theft. He admitted the evidence," Little said, indicating it was done because of "massive credit card debt."
After his admission, Brown reportedly claimed, at first, that he had repaid the funds, but recanted after being confronted with the evidence available to investigators. Brown also reportedly admitted to using funds to make car payments, as well as taking cash from both the concession stand and registration fees.
Little said there is the possibility of additional instances of alleged misappropriations of the funds, and he is continuing his investigation.
"I have put out additional subpoenas," Little said.
Little offered his apprecition to the Junior Bears association, saying the members have been cooperative, and, at this time, the investigation is showing no other individuals involved.
"I highly credit them for coming forward and bringing it to our attention," Little said.
In a statement posted to the Association's Facebook page, board members wanted to assure the community of their intent to restore the trust of member families and supporters.
"Upon referral of the matter to law enforcement, the Board also immediately relieved the Board member in question of all duties and responsibilities associated with the Association pending the completion of the investigation. This action was taken to protect the integrity of the investigation, preserve public confidence, and ensure the continued operation of the Association," the statement reads, in part. "Since that time, the Board has worked diligently and cooperatively with the assigned detective, providing all requested records, documentation, and information necessary to assist with the investigation. We remain committed to full transparency and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement throughout this process."
The board also has implemented enhanced financial controls designed to safeguard the organization's assets, improve recordkeeping and ensure increased transparency.