The saga of Herminio Molina, the former president of the Cooper City Optimist Club, continues as he faces charges of grand theft and obtaining property under $20,000 by fraud. Molina is accused of embezzling over $13,000 from the youth sports nonprofit, allegations that emerged from a series of financial discrepancies involving donor funds, concession sales, and field rentals. As reported by 7News, Molina allegedly orchestrated an organized fraud scheme from January to December 2024.
Despite the charges, Molina vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Upon his release from jail, he expressed his shock to 7News, "I'm shocked, and hopefully it comes out the right way." Cooper City Commissioner Ryan Shrouder relayed the sense of betrayal felt in the community, saying, “If you have 14-year-old kids selling Laffey Taffy’s at the concession center and taking some money, it’s one thing, but you don’t expect that out of the president of the program, let alone having his personal Zelle, you know, being Zelle’d money for hot dogs and things.”
Authorities initiated their investigation into Molina's affairs after suspicions arose about an unauthorized field rental. According to records obtained by Local 10 News, a city-owned soccer field was rented out and a $200 payment was collected without proper authorization via Zelle to Molina's personal account. Although Molina returned the funds, the manner in which it was done, along with a request for a city parks official to lie about the authorization of the transaction, further fueled the investigation.
The inquiry unveiled what is described as a pattern of deceitful behavior, where Molina reportedly engaged in personal enrichment through various club-related transactions. Details from the arrest affidavit reveal that Molina solicited a $7,700 donation for equipment purchases and secured a reimbursement from the Club for the same amount, effectively double-dipping, as noted by Local 10 News. Additionally, prosecutors assert that concession stand sales resulted in over $3,300 being funneled through Molina's personal Zelle account.
In light of the unfolding scandal, Cooper City officials have pledged to review all related policies and procedures to ensure greater transparency and accountability. They also expressed concern following the arrest of Herminio Molina, former president of the Cooper City Optimist Club, who faces multiple allegations of suspected theft and fraud. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the community’s youth as part of their response, as obtained by 7News. Molina, however, suggests the charges are politically motivated—stemming from a potential candidacy in upcoming city elections. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Molina is resolute, "I've been in there 18 years, and I volunteer — president, commissioner, 18 years serving the community — and not once, not once," he told 7News.
