Elk Grove parents and volunteer coaches were left stunned this month after police accused the longtime treasurer and president of a local youth football league of siphoning more than $100,000 from the program's accounts. Authorities arrested 41-year-old Kristina Vasquez on May 14 after what investigators described as a two-year probe into the Elk Grove Jr. Thundering Herd's finances. Vasquez, who served on the league board for six years, was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 24.
Two-year probe used more than 20 warrants
Elk Grove detectives say the investigation stretched over two years and involved more than 20 search warrants and record-inquiry requests as they tracked money moving out of the youth league's accounts. Those steps, police say, led to probable cause for the May 14 arrest and the filing of embezzlement and grand theft allegations, as reported by KCRA.
Alleged personal spending
Investigators say league funds were allegedly used for mortgage payments, car payments and other personal expenses. Police also flagged purchases that included plane tickets, hotel stays and trips to Disneyland, according to the police account.
The Thundering Herd and local youth football
The Elk Grove Jr. Thundering Herd is a Sacramento-area youth football organization that posts registration information and board updates on its website. The club's online pages list schedules and volunteer contact information, underscoring that the program is largely run by parents and community volunteers, per the team’s site: Elk Grove Jr. Thundering Herd.
Charges and next steps
Vasquez faces counts of embezzlement and grand theft and is scheduled to return to court on June 24, according to the police report. She was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail in downtown Sacramento, located at 651 I Street, per the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
How small groups can guard against theft
Nonprofit and legal advisers say small, volunteer-run groups can reduce the risk of financial abuse by splitting up financial duties, requiring multiple signers for larger transactions, performing independent bank reconciliations and maintaining clear written expense policies. These safeguards are standard guidance from legal and nonprofit organizations, including Venable LLP and the National Council of Nonprofits.
