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Pennsylvania Woman Accused of Stealing Nearly $150,000 From Youth Baseball and Softball League
A Pennsylvania woman, the wife of a police officer, is facing accusations of embezzling almost $150,000 from a youth sports organization. Reports indicate the funds, allegedly misappropriated while serving as treasurer, were spent on personal indulgences including concerts and shopping sprees.
Details of the Alleged Embezzlement
Carla O’Brien, 48, was arrested on Thursday on charges of theft. She is accused of stealing $147,400 from the Fox Chapel Area Baseball Softball Association between 2019 and 2024, according to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. During this period, she was responsible for managing the club’s finances, news sources reported.
O’Brien, a resident of Indiana Township, is married to a Pittsburgh police lieutenant, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Fox Chapel Area Baseball Softball Association, which serves approximately 750 children across nearly three dozen teams, released a statement to the Bridgeville Signal Item acknowledging the situation.
“Our organization has been, and will continue to, cooperate with law enforcement regarding this issue,” the league stated. “We respect the legal process and trust authorities to handle the matter appropriately. As this process is ongoing, we are unable to provide further comment and will continue to seek updates from the District Attorney’s Office.”
Discovery of the Alleged Misappropriation and Confession
The alleged theft reportedly began shortly after O’Brien assumed her position as treasurer in early 2019. Her scheme was reportedly uncovered when she was removed from her role in July and replaced with a new treasurer, according to the criminal complaint obtained by local news outlets.
Prosecutors stated that the organization’s board of directors grew suspicious when O’Brien repeatedly failed to meet with the incoming treasurer to hand over financial records. This prompted the new treasurer to threaten direct intervention with the bank to resolve discrepancies in the league’s accounts.
In September, O’Brien allegedly admitted to association members that she had begun stealing funds after a car accident resulted in job losses for both her and her husband. She claimed to be experiencing financial hardship, according to court filings.
The accused individual reportedly returned approximately $3,500 of the remaining stolen funds from the league’s accounts.
Lavish Spending on Personal Items
According to prosecutors, O’Brien allegedly spent the misappropriated funds at a variety of retailers including Sephora, Amazon, Kohls, Nike, White House/Black Market, TJ Maxx, Sam’s Club, and Target. Payments were also reportedly made to restaurants, pharmacies, concert venues, liquor stores, an insurance company, and pet supply stores.
Court documents further indicate that O’Brien also utilized the stolen funds to pay off credit card debt.
Legal Charges and Court Appearance
O’Brien faces charges including theft by unlawful taking, misapplication of entrusted property, receiving stolen property, and access device fraud, according to multiple reports.
Defense attorney Phil DiLucente, representing O’Brien, stated to WPXI that “Judge Rudzki arraigned my client today on the charges and granted non-monetary bond on the allegations.”
“We are hopeful to have this matter resolved expeditiously,” DiLucente added.
O’Brien is scheduled to appear in court again on April 23.