Treasurer accused of stealing money from Little League to build pool

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The former treasurer of a Houston-area Little League has been arrested and indicted for allegedly stealing from that league.

Trace Werner, 44, is accused of money laundering, theft and misapplication of financial property. Prosecutors say he stole more than $50,000 from the Sienna Plantation Youth Baseball League between January of 2013 and October of 2014.

"He is taking responsibility for some of the money that has been reported missing," said Assistant Fort Bend County District Attorney Scott Carpenter.

Carpenter added that investigators have been unable to recover the money, telling us it was spent on personal items including construction, allegedly, of a pool at Werner's home.

League President Stephen Brannon would say only that they discovered an "accounting concern" and brought that concern to the attention of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. Detectives have been working on the case for months.

Eyewitness News first heard about the allegations earlier this summer; however at the time Werner had not been arrested. Jail records indicate he surrendered on September 3 and posted bond of $50,000 the following day.

According to the indictment, Werner committed the crimes between January 2013 and October 2014. Carpenter says Werner would access the money using the league's debit and credit card, in addition to sometimes taking cash from concession sales meant to be deposited into the league's account.

Parents tell us they are stunned by the allegations.

"It's crazy. It takes it right out of the kids --that's a lot of fundraising that will have to be done to make up the difference for that." said Meghann Hagbo.

"I'm really shocked because our community is so close knit and family oriented," said Gabrielle Miers.

If convicted, Werner could be sent to prison for up to 10 years.