July 26, 2011 West Metro Soccer Club treasurer arrested for thefts www.privateofficer.com
WEST COLUMBIA, SC July 26 2011 – The treasurer of a Midlands youth soccer club has some explaining to do after $14,000 went missing from the club’s coffers and at least one law enforcement agency has charged her in connection with the missing funds.
Kimberly Denice Stripling of North was arrested Thursday morning and charged with Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent more than $2000, but less than $10,000. The 41-year-old mother of three was employed with Grace Baptist Church, and had served as Treasurer of the West Metro Soccer Club, according to police.
Stripling was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center just before noon Thursday and released later that afternoon on a $5,000 surety bond. “We advise the clubs to introduce some safeguards,” said soccer volunteer Hans Pauling. “But it still comes down to trust, and that’s what this was, a breach of trust on a massive scale.”
The president of the West Metro Soccer Club, Ralph Estep, filed a police report last week after he noticed over $14,000 was missing from the club’s bank account. “We’ve pulled receipts from local merchants, and it was just stuff,” said Estep. He said that “stuff” included items such as rent, groceries, car payments, a cable bill, and clothes.
A police warrant alleges that over a period of approximately one year, Stripling, who had access to the club’s debit card and check book, used club funds for her personal use.
Investigators have learned that Stripling used between $23,000 and $28,000 of soccer funds in multiple jurisdictions to include Richland County, Lexington County and the Town of Lexington. Investigations in those jurisdictions are on-going and additional charges may be brought against Ms. Stripling. “It’s pretty major,” said Estep. “We’ve got $297 left in the bank.”
The money was to finance a season of soccer matches for nearly 400 children. ” A club could disappear because of the actions of one person?” questioned Pauling.
WIS News 10 went to Stripling’s new home and tried to ask her about the charges, but she didn’t answer the door. Sonya Freeman was her friend. “Very disappointed,” she said. “She and I were friends as well and actually met at church.”
The West Metro Soccer Club is an all volunteer community-based soccer league with an emphasis towards children ages 4-17 playing soccer regardless of their skills. The club, which has been in existence for over 30 years, serves West Columbia, Cayce, Springdale and all areas of eastern Lexington County.
The club’s board is working on ideas to overcome the financial blow and get the season going. “We’re going to have a soccer season one way or another, even if we have to do it in T-shirts and blue jeans,” said Estep.
If convicted, Stripling could be fined or sentenced to five years in prison.
Police are asking that anyone with information concerning this case contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or the West Columbia Police Department at 803-794-0721.
source-wis.com
Tags: Kimberly Denice Stripling, Kimberly Denice Stripling arrested, The treasurer of a Midlands youth soccer club, West Metro Soccer Club treasurer arrested for thefts
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