Overview
- Police arrested Steve Rodriguez Prado on July 2 and charged him with theft, two counts of forgery, and failing to register as a convicted person; he was released on bond and is due in court on July 30.
- Investigators say Prado moved about $64,000 from the Central Little League account between January and March through more than 70 Zelle transfers and other unauthorized charges.
- Authorities allege many transfers went to a business linked to Prado’s wife and that miscellaneous purchases included strip-club tabs, casino charges, ride-shares, airline tickets, PlayStation charges, insurance and $294 in erectile dysfunction medication.
- Police say Prado provided altered Wells Fargo statements to the league’s board, and grand jury subpoenas confirmed the bank records had been manipulated during the investigation.
- The league was left nearly insolvent with only about $25 in its account before outside donations restored the season, raising questions about volunteer background checks and basic financial safeguards for youth organizations.