Gloucester City: HARRY FOX JR. ARRESTED & CHARGED FOR STEALING $52,000 FROM LITTLE LEAGUE ASSOCIATION

By Bill Cleary

Sgt. Brian Morrell, a spokesman for the Gloucester City Police Department confirmed the report that a suspect was arrested for the theft of  thousands of dollars from the Gloucester City Little League treasury. 

Sgt. Morrell stated, "On March 11, 2008 at 1540 hours Harry F. Fox, Jr. (second from left) of Gloucester City was arrested for stealing approximately $52,000.00 from the Gloucester City Little League. 

"He did turn himself in to Det. Mark Ridge. 

"Fox was processed, charged with theft, and released ROR pending a Camden County Superior Court date of  March 26, 2008," Morrell said

The photo was taken last summer at a Gloucester City Little League meeting after Tom Gurick (center) presented a $25,000 grant to representatives of the organization to be used to enhance the facilities at the field on  Johnson Blvd. The $25,000 grant is not included in the amount that was stolen.   

Also in the photo (from left)  are: Tony Eller (the new Little League treasurer),  Jerry Murphy-Vice President and Bob Collins-president.

Those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Related: Breaking News Suspect Arrested

Comments

[Avid Walker]

Does anyone know if Mike O'Donnell got stung by a bee.

[Barb W.]

Bonding!!!! Is that what you said??? Being bonded is one sure way to find out about your background, and if you refuse then you have some matter to hide.....which says it all.....you are not a trusting person and have a record of some sort from your past and present. Yes, I agree that all should be bonded.
Hey Harry, just look at the faces of those kids.....hummm, wonder what they are thinking..... A former resident of Gloucester City

[stewy]

where can I buy these shirts ? Ill take a few. Hopefully the money is well spent.

Peter,

YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE!!!!!

[Oz]

Peter Griffin, perhaps with the money you make from said merchandise you could take a trip to OZ and ask the wizard for a heart. Shame on you!!

[frank thomas]

hey guys, this is goes to peter griffin i was wondering if you could make up a baseball bag for me for this years season. "The Big Hurt" would love to support your cause.

[Peter Griffin]

I'm selling shirts, hats and bookbags that say "Not stolen by Harry Fox." Anyone who wants one let me know.

[Just Wondering?]

I have to agree with the requiring of bonding as well as requiring all volunteers have a criminal background check. We are trusting our children with these people!!!! For those parents that don't agree with this, I have to ask why? We have so many devoted volunteers in our community and I can not see anyone of them saying NO to either of these request.
Bruce Darrow as many of you have said, is a good man, who does a lot of good for our children.
I have been involved in several youth organizations in town, and the sad part is we have parents who just drop their children off to coaches or group leaders (what ever the origination maybe) whom they don't even know and use them as a temporary baby-sitting service. I would bet you if something where to happen to one of their children they would be the first to be asking why we don't require our volunteers to have criminal background checks.
It's sad that people come on here and bash the family of Mr. Fox, he is a grown man and his parents should not suffer for his actions. The one thing I do questions is this, if he did in fact steal from his family and they were aware of his role as treasurer in the LL, then why wouldn't they privately give the LL a heads up. If however, they were not aware of his role in the LL then they would have no reason to make the LL aware. We can not choose our family members nor can we make them as adults make the right decisions in life. For those of you who questions why his parents didn't press charges, as a parent I wouldn't want to be faced with that decision in life. So we can not pass judgment on them for not doing so.. until you are faced this situation first hand you don't know what your actions would be.

[Theresa Ritchie]

We are having a hard time getting volunteers now. We can't get people to sign up now to be Girl Scout Leaders. There are many girls interested but nobody to lead the troops. Girls Scouts apparently does background checks on volunteers.

If you look around, you will see alot of the same people as volunteers in multiple organizations. If you move to bonding, you are going to chase more and more people away. Again, the kids will suffer.

[Tired of donating to thieves]

This is something that maybe the organizations should think about. Why not require the organization or the person handling the money to be bonded. It is relatively inexpensive and in the long run would pay off if someone did this in the future. The bond company would give the amount back and go after the thief. Maybe council should require this of any organization that partakes in public fund raising like the coin drops. I know I would be more likely to give to an organization that is taking all measures to insure the kids get the money raised.

[Theresa Ritchie]

As a volunteer for more than one of these organizations, what do you want to see as accountability? As the Girl Scout Leader of Gloucester City's Brownie Troop, we disclose our finances to our parents at our closing ceremony. We also have to file a yearly report to Girl Scout Council that requires us to file a spreadsheet of ALL of our finances.

As the secretary of the GHS Band Boosters, we report on our finances during our monthly meetings. The Treasurer provides a report to the Executive Board that can be viewed by any member. We also vote on all expenditures.

The majority of us have nothing to hide. We give alot of our time to these organizations and its not fair to punish everyone for a few. In reality, my coleaders and I give more back to the troop and our girls than required. I'm sure this is true for most volunteers in these organizations.

[I Agree]

I agree that it is too uncertain to donate to organizations unless there is accountability and open honesty about finances. I work too long and too hard for my salary to have someone take advantage of me. What a sad commentary on our society.

[nosiey]

if it wasn't made public then how do you know so much. and it sounds like to me the people in charge now are trying to make things right and pay off their bills but keep in mind this org. has been in debt for years because they always took hard luck cases and girls signed up for nothing including paying for their shoes. i heard all about the ex president mess and it sound to me like it was a small amount and it was handled as best they could, they have had so many problems they just don't want any more. i understand your point of not wanting to give your money to thieves i don't blame you for that at all but we cant let the kids suffer we just have to hope the new people in charge of all the org. are more careful and double check everything they do.

[Something to think about]

The was no money taken from the cheerleaders, why was the previous president forced to step down? How much money is still owed to 2 Vics? Is that why the cheerleaders have so many fundraisers planned? It may not have been $52,000, but even if it was a couple of hundred dollars it should be made public. If it is true, the next organization will have no knowledge that this person is a thief. If it is true the cheerleaders swept it under the carpet and the thief is off scott free, and you can sleep at night knowing you swept it under the carpet. I am tired of giving money to organizations and finding out someone pocketed my hard earned money that I donated. At least the Little League kept and is still keeping the public informed and going after the alleged thief.
Tired of donating to thieves.

THE CHEERLEADERS ARE NOT MISSING ANY MONEY. I WISH PEOPLE WOULD GET THEIR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE THE START RUMORS THAT ARE NOT TRUE.

[?]

who is KD ?

[nosiey]

KD can u explain about the cheerleaders missing money please

[Scott MacAdams]

Oh would you now. Maybe Bill will jump right on that request. I'm starting to question my reading of this blog. I thought it was a place to share positive information at first and then you have the knuckleheads that make it seem more like the National Enquirer. Bless you Bill, God knows it must be tougher and tougher to weed out the thorns.

[Food for thought]

Maybe if harry's family did press charges or at least make it public that he stole from the family business the theft fom the L.L. would have been caught early and wouldn't have been so much.

[Linda ME]

Nota Bruce Fan. Do you know if you would get involved in the things Darrow does you may become a fan. The money that the Ladies Aux (Darrow Runs) raised helped pay the bills Harry Fox did not pay. Did you know that him and Doug Ziegler run the Palmierio Basketball League and Darrow's son plays in Brooklawn. Darrow is on the Gloucester BOE and lives in Brooklawn. Maybe if you could raise the money for the kids like Darrow does with the wiffleball and other fundraisers you would understand him. Give the guy some credit

[Kenrod]

I dont care if you like Bruce or not....he does a hell of alot of work for the kids of this town for youth sports..cut him some slack.
I mean a whole lot.

[staom]

Alrighty then, I've been away for a few days, celebrating my Hungarian heritage, so lets set the record straight. Fox family and friends stop posting that you had any knowledge of the theft(which you didn't) and are not involved(which you aren't) you make it seem as though everyone is pointing the finger at you. One knucklehead (posting as To The Grinch..)spoke incorrectly and was quickly exposed by me and others.
To ???????,
Is this your name or the number of days you spent in the 1st grade or twice as many as you spent in rehab. A 3rd degree crime without a prior criminal record (which I assume Harry doesn't have) and no past history of failure to appear in court has the presumption of no incarceration and an R.O.R. bail. Also, why his family hasn't "press" charges against him is their business, not yours.
To KD,
I can't believe the criminal justice system hasn't come up with your earth shattering idea - Just Say No - oh wait, someone did say that once, I think. By the way the league didn't issue a MAC card Harry acquired it himself.
Not a fan of Bruce,
I know you're trying to frame Monkey Boy with your post, however, the grammar and spelling was way to good. Oh, whoever you are, Bruce Darrow did more on Saturday 3-15-08 in the A. M. for the youth of this City(in which he doesn't even reside) then you have ever done.
God Bless

[mary]

Was Harry hanging out with Governor Spitzer????

[not so bad????]

HMMMM I am beginning to wonder if I should maybe sign up to handle an organizations money !! I can get a interest free loan, no jail time and only have to go visit someone once a month??? I can live with that!! I could pay all my high interest loans for free, and I might not even get caught..... now if I could get over not being able to live with myself..... hmmmmmm anyway thats a darn shame but maybe not so bad.....

[NotABruceFan]

Bruce Darrow is a loser. PS Harry Fox Stinks! Poor little Ryan and Danielle. Harry how could you do this?!?! Now little Eric Glassman will never get to celebrate his first home run down at the majors. MAYBE we can get the Ackley twins to rough Harry up alittle bit

[KD]

I think it is very unfortunate for this city to yet again deal with theft. Twice with the Burn Foundation, the Little League, and I don't know if the rumor is true but maybe the cheerleaders (swept under the carpet I'm told).

Wake up! Start making three people sign the checks, don't issue MAC cards to these organizations and last, but not least--if you cannot trust yourself to handle monies--DON'T BECOME A TREASURER!!!! When that temptation to dip into money (that you did not earn) hits--GET OUT OF THE TREASURER'S SEAT!

[????????]

If harry Fox jr. stole all this money from his parents business, why dont they or haven't they press charges against him yet. Blood or no blood i would make every attempt to make sure he be behind bars. Apparently it was way more then what he stole from the L.L.

Just want to set the record straight. The parents of Harry Fox jr. did not know what he had done until last week when he turned himself in to the police. They do not live with him so haw would they know what he did. They raised him to know right from wrong and should not be blamed for his mistakes. They are lifelong residents of this city and upstanding citizens. As far as the Cadillacs you think he owned will you are wrong. His parents owned 2 Cadillacs a few years ago (FoxOne) and neither of them were new. They never bought a new car every year and if they did it was their business. They worked and paid for them so get the facts straight before you talk about it. One has nothing to do with the other.

[Dave Smolinski]

Well it looks like Harry Spitzer,will get away w/ a slap on the wrist. It's great how our system works.By the way, is Harry still a Fire Volly?

[Bruce Darrow]

As a member of the G.C.L.L I understand everyone's anger towards HARRY FOX JR. Like everyone who has written a comment we are very interested in where the money went. But, everyone must remember that it was HARRY FOX JR who was arrested and charged. No other Fox family member was involved. It is very unfortunate that other Fox families will be associated with this theft. Please do not pass judgment on any other Gloucester City Fox resident. And if people want accurate information contact a league official.

Bruce Darrow

[Curious]

Is there any confirmation on what exactly this money was spent on? Perhaps a new car, boat, or down payment on a house? Just curious how greedy this person was stealing money from the G.C.L.L.?

[Close Friend]

As a close friend of the family I would like to get a part of the story straight. I would like everyone in the city who is pointing fingers to know that the family of the accused had absolutely no knowledge of what was going on.It was brought to their attention around the end of Feburary.The family of this person is a much a victim as everyone else.The family of the accused should not be mistreated because of this persons actions.I hope that eveyone can seperate the family from this person so that the family can move on with their lives.So I ask for prayers for the family and that God gives them the strength to get through this.

His parents knew nothing about the money being stolen. I don't know who gave you the wrong info., but they didn't have any idea. They were victims of his crimes also, but not from the GCLL situation, they had their own situation. Keep them out of this. Thank You.

[Batty]

If you look closely, Harry has some "Fruit Punch" on his right arm as well.

[Client #14]

Has anyone seen "Pinky" Plews? I heard he is performing at Riverside Campground this coming weekend.

[Feel sorry for the parents but]

So his parents knew he stole money from hundreds of kids months ago!

If they knew that all this money was stolen why didn't they turn their son in?

My son almost lost a great thing-being able to play baseball in his hometown.

Fox will get away with this and the money he stole will never be returned to the children. I hope he is a man and stands up to the charge. He shouldn't be able to walk away with no jail time.

[Friend of his parents]

To respond to the comment about his parents being victimized also, this comment is 100% true. If only people know what they have been going thru for the past 1yr. They need your blessings not your hurtful comments.

[Friend of his parents and sister]

To all concerned, to respond to the recent posting about his parents being victimized also, this is true and his sister was also included in this situation. Please don't turn your backs on his parents and sister, they are innocent in this whole GCLL situation. They need the support of good friends and neighbors.

[ingrateful2]

With all that money he stole he could have at least bought a new and clean pair of jeans instead of wearing the dirty beat up ones he is wearing in the photo attached to this story

Upset with the justice system,

Theft of $52,000 is a third degree crime. To put that in perspective, being charged with a $10 baggie of cocaine is also a third degree crime. Theft doesn't become a second degree crime until it is over $75,000 and a second degree crime requires bail. Being that this is a third degree crime, the scum bag doesn't have a prior criminal record and the fact that he isn't any kind of flight risk, most all judges would release him on his own recognizance. A judge sets bail, not the police dept., prosecutor's office or any polititian. I don't agree with it either but it is the system we have. The purpose of bail is not a form of punishment, but to secure the presence of the accused on court day. Since he turned himself in, I guess the judge isn't to concerned about him not showing up. Hope this clears up the confusion.

To the grinch of gloucester city,

You are right, Harry Fox Jr. is the thief. It's you references to Fox 1 and Fox 2 and the cadillacs that are wrong. They are his parents, who have nothing to do with this and were actually victimized by their son as well.

[To The Grinch of Gloucester City]

No I don't know what happens when you assume things? Please explain?

I am assuming Harry Fox Jr is a thief are you saying I am wrong?

I am assuming Harry Fox Jr is a creep, a low life, a lying snake in the grass who stole money from 300 little Gloucester City kids who were looking forward to playing baseball this summer......am I wrong?

He reminds me of the holiday story about the Grinch who stole Christmas....again please explain am I wrong in my assumptions. If so let me know so I can correct my mistake.

I am still waiting for your friend to explain what he did with $52,000. If you are so Close to the Source then you must know everything. Tell us we are all waiting for him/you to come up with an explanation that would justify his crimes.

[Mom99]

Let's have all the kids line up and ball(stone) him with baseballs.
Yep, he'll get a slap on the face. Will the LL ever get the money back? I'm glad the season will continue. My 8 year old loves baseball.

[disappointed voter]

To Bill C,
Your statement is true, But HE IS GUILTY! He should be in Jail until Court. He is connected to a WHO"S WHO"S Family in this Town. (Council Member)
He better not get away with this.

[Close to the Source]

To the GRINCH, you know what happens when you assume things, Close to the Source is not the accused.

[Bill Cleary]

Note: Those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

[To the Grinch of Gloucester City]

So Sorry Harry Jr. Wow got up on the wrong side of bed did we. If you didn't spend the $52,000 and change on cadillacs am I out of line if I ask what did you do with all that money?

And Harry Jr you actual got the nerve to use the word slander. Right away go on the offense good tactic.

How about taking some your time to write in a message that I can tell my 10 year old why he isn't playing baseball this year. Or why he has to use a batting helmet that has been around since the days of Bill Flynn's Sport Shop.

I like to hear from you own lips Harry so this way there are no more chances of you having your good name slandered.

[Upset with the justice system]

I was just wondering why ROR? Make him put his house up for bail. If what I hear is true, that this is his first offense he will only get a slap on the wrist and pay restitution, where do I get my no interest loan. I can only afford $100/month. I hope the judge makes him re-mortgage his house to pay the money back. I wonder why people do not steal more often, there are no severe penalties. This is an outrage. The Opening day parade should re-routed to go right by his house with the kids carrying picket signs "We want our money back" and "Harry the thief".
Really disgusted.

[Close to the source]

Fox 1 doesn't belong to Harry Fox, Jr. Get the story straight before you start slander about someone. The owner of Fox 1 had no idea what was going on, just like the residents of the city.

[Let The H.F. Onslaught Begin]

grinch poster,

harry fox jr doesn't have any caddy's. You may have him confused with his father & mother, I believe they have at least 1 caddy. Don't get me wrong i hate this guy for what he's done, i just want the story reported correctly and the hatred directed at the right person.

[Close to the source]

Fox 1 and Fox 2 do not belong to Harry Fox, Jr. So don't even mention them in this story. You need to get the license plates correct before you start making slander remarks.

[To The Grinch of Gloucester City]

I feel sorry for the 300 kids who were looking forward to playing baseball this summer. The Grinch of Gloucester City aka Harry Fox Jr., drained the LL's banking account and in doing so he has jeopardize this year's season from becoming a reality.

As for Mrs. Fox at some point in time she should have asked The Grinch where he was getting the money to buy two new Cadillacs every year for he and she (Fox 1 Fox 2)? And by not asking she has to accept some of the blame for looking the other way.