In a recent development that's shaken up the Alameda community, Sarah Lynn New, the president of the Alameda Gators swim team, has been arrested on allegations of embezzling over $50,000 from the nonprofit club. According to ABC7 News, New's financial misdealings led to the dismissal of two long-standing coaches. They left remaining team members scrambling to fundraise to keep their program viable.
New, who took the reins as president in September 2023, is accused of making a series of withdrawals using a debit card for the club's Chase checking account, an account first unveiled in a report by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. She faces three felony counts of embezzlement, which hold a maximum sentence of nine years in prison if she is convicted on all charges. According to District Attorney Pamela Price, her alleged actions are considered a severe breach of trust, given the involvement of children and the community in the youth swimming program.
The investigation into New's activities began after she was removed from her position for failing to pay her children's monthly dues. It was after her removal that the Gators' nonprofit board discovered the missing funds. Matthew Borkow, a parent of a swimmer on the Alameda Gators, expressed his disbelief to ABC7 News, saying, "It's hard to imagine what kind of person would sink to that level of depravity. To steal not just from a charity, but a charity where they were in charge and one where their kids are participating."
The fallout from the embezzlement case extends to the coaching staff, with veterans like Bret Garvine losing their positions. Garvine shared his plight with ABC7 News, noting the difficulty of finding a replacement for his $32,500 salary and the added stress of everyday expenses: "Young children, daycare. Everything's expensive these days. We know that. And not having that income has been very difficult."
