The Pasadena Police Department is actively searching for additional victims of a suspected fraud carried out by a local softball coach. Thaddeus Lewis, the coach in question, is under investigation for allegedly taking money from parents and then cutting off communication with them. According to a report by KPRC 2, Lewis is currently cooperative with detectives, but no charges have officially been brought against him thus far.
Parents involved with Lewis’s 18 & Under softball team claim that he has been out of contact since June after accepting hundreds of dollars for various team expenses. In an interview obtained by KPRC 2, parent Ashley Morgan detailed how her daughter was emotionally affected by the ordeal, saying, "She was so disturbed emotionally." In addition, Morgan provided text messages showing Lewis had agreed to refund her but never did. Parents reportedly shelled out $100 for uniforms and between $500 to $700 in tournament fees for events that the daughters never attended.
Allegations have emerged that Lewis has performed similar acts in the past. A Facebook page for an 18U softball team set up by Lewis, collected fees from parents under the pretense of covering uniforms, practices, and tournaments, as stated in a FOX 26 Houston article. However, the coach allegedly stopped attending practices, and failed to make payments for practices and tournaments, subsequently deleting the team's GroupMe and disconnecting his phone, severing all communication lines.
Among the excuses cited for the cancellations was the passing of Lewis's mother, an excuse which, when scrutinized, did not hold up. "I kind of did my own research where I asked him, you know, like what’s your mom’s name? I’m sorry to hear about your mom, you come to find out she hadn’t," said Morgan in a statement obtained by KPRC 2. Lewis and his family have been difficult to reach for commentary. A relative promised to pass along a message for comment on Monday, but as of now, no return statement has been made.
As the investigation persists, law enforcement encourages anyone with information to contact the Pasadena Police Department at 713-475-7892. The inquiries continue not only in Pasadena but also in La Porte, with both cities keen to uncover the full extent of the alleged deceptions and financial damages inflicted on families who were simply seeking to support their children’s athletic endeavors.
