Gloucester City Little League Crime Is Major Story in Daily Newspapers and on TV Broadcasts
Harry Fox Jr., Arrested For Theft of $52,000:
Generally third degree crimes carry a maximum fine of $15,000 and jail time would be three to five years. "It is more likely that Fox will be ordered by the judge to make restitution and perform community service. It is doubtful that he (Fox) will do any jail time,", said a source from the Prosecutor's Office.
By Bill Cleary
As a result of the theft of over $50,000 from the Gloucester City Little League by Harry Fox Jr., (PHOTO) the good name of Gloucester City made the headlines in the worst way on Friday, March 14 as the story of the crime was published in the daily newspapers and was broadcast on the major Philadelphia television networks.
Fox, the former Little League treasurer, surrendered to police on Tuesday, March 12 and was arrested and charged with the theft of $52,000 which is a third degree crime. Generally third degree crimes carries a maximum fine of $15,000 and jail time would be three to five years. However a source from the Prosecutor's Office said "It is more likely that Fox will be ordered by the judge to make restitution and perform community service. It is doubtful that he will do any jail time. "
He is to have a preliminary hearing on March 26. Fox, age 46, resides in Gloucester City. He was released without posting bail.
Last year a similar incident occurred with the Gloucester City Fire Department. Robert Kephart, the treasurer of the monies raised for the annual Softball Marathon event stole $7,128 from that account. Kephart, 35, was sentenced in October 2007 to five year's probation by a Camden County Superior Court Judge. The judge ordered he make full-restitution of $7,128 within five years.
Also, Kephart was ordered to perform 500 hours of community service in Gloucester City, 100 hours a year for five years. And he was to maintain a full-time- job.
The story about the Little League theft first became public three weeks ago when a reporter from the Gloucester City News/ClearysNoteBook inquired about the rumor circulating through the City that thousands of dollars were missing from the League treasury.
The story was confirmed by officers of the League who said the theft was discovered following the annual audit of both the Little League and Ladies Auxiliary financial books. Irregularities were found in one account; the Little League records.
Tony Eller, the new Little League treasurer said Fox was able to access the League's funds by obtaining a Mac Card and a Visa card, and then withdrawing cash from ATM machines.
Bob Plews, the spokesman for the League issued a prepared statement about the theft on Friday to the news media. Plews explained that the 2008 season is not in jeopardy because of the crime. And he also gave details on why the Little League had so much money in the Little League bank account.
"The missing funds were from our Reserve Account and our Capital Improvement account. At no time was the league "bankrupt" as reported or was the 2008 season ever in jeopardy.
The league is structured so each year's operating capital is generated by registration fees, sponsor fees, ad signs, candy and hoagie sales and the efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary. The kids will be totally unaffected by the recent events, although some planned improvements will have to be rescheduled.
Additional revenues occasionally are generated by tournaments (State Tournament in 1995, the annual 8-yr old Tournament) and by 50/50's and refreshment sales when we host District and Section All-Star games. That revenue goes into the Capital Improvement account for major field expenditures.
That account had grown in the last few years because we had delayed some improvements pending the actions on our fields and we were accruing extra funds in case temporary fields had to be built or leased so we would not miss a season or two while the clean-up work was being completed. Do to the lengthy delays at Klemm Ave, we proceeded with major improvements this season (new sod) on the infield, left field fenced extended, new warning track and fence replacement at the Major Field and backstop renovations, batting cage and warning track at the Senior Field.
While this work was being bid, we received the $25,000 grant from the Camden County Board of Chose Freeholder Tom Gurick. That allowed us to reallocate the funds in our Capital Improvement account towards substantial improvements to the Tee-Ball and Minor Fields, but that money is now gone."
Plews concluded by saying there will be some fundraisers in the near future to help make up the deficit. And on behalf of the League he thanked all those who have come forward to offer their support, along with the business community, and long-time sponsors.
The Gloucester City Little League is a non-profit organization founded in the 1950's. The Little League registers over 300 boys and girls from 5- years- old to 16- years- old who participate both locally and within the South Jersey area each year during the spring and summer.
The Little League registration fee for a child is $30 plus $10 for hoagie coupons. The child is also required to sell candy door to door or pay an additional $20; for a total fee of $60.
The Little League fee to sponsor a team ranges from $100 per year (young players) to $350 (older players.
The cost for sign advertisement placed on the fence that surrounds the field (s) is $100 for the first year, and $50 to renew.
Related: See complete Gloucester City LL Statement
Staom to answer your question; About 8:00PM at the new LL bar that opened this weekend. Didn't have much to drink, my thought was to put out another request for open government, it doesn't hurt to keep asking,who knows? I do believe as you do that I'll never see it in my life time but maybe during my kids lifetime.
Posted by: | March 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM
11:01 PM,
Please tell me what time and where you started drinking, cause I want to join the party.
Posted by: Staom | March 16, 2008 at 12:14 AM
1:18 PM
They have to let you know but know one ask the local government or the LL or any organization in town to disclose their records because they trust the fellow citizens. This is the year 2008, look around, look at your own bills and say to yourself that you have the money to give away, I don't think so.
Your response is that your going to give in to the same bullcrap that has been going on for years. They work for you and you have the right to know where you're money is gone.
Posted by: | March 15, 2008 at 11:01 PM
And if you will take notice the city is not interested in having you know where the money is going so why should the LL be bothered with where your money is going?
Posted by: | March 15, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Thank you Mr. Plews for the break down its about time. People in this town donate yearly to the kids and have the right to know. Now it will be nice to see a break down every month or every two months, what ever is easy for you guys. After all its not you're money it's the peoples money and a report each month will allow the people to follow the expenditures reported. If you have been following the local government these days people what to know where their money is going and the LL is know different.
Posted by: | March 15, 2008 at 12:47 PM