Thomas Villanova is accused of stealing from the Howell Girls Softball League since he took the position in 2012, authorities said
HOWELL -- The treasurer for the Howell Girls Softball League has been charged with stealing $40,000 from the group and using the league's money as if it were his own.
Thomas Villanova, 45, was charged with third-degree theft on April 27 after he surrendered to authorities, said Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez, a Howell police spokesman.
Antunez said police started investigating in December when officials from the softball league reported possible fraud and theft involving the organization's finances.
He said league officials noticed Villanova, league treasurer since 2012, made unauthorized transactions totaling several thousand dollars.
The investigation by Detective Cpl. Nancy Carroll revealed that Villanova used the league's debit card and checks to make hundreds of unauthorized transactions totaling about $40,000 since he started in the position, Antunez said.
He said Villanova spent that money to pay for landscaping on his home, utility bills, meals, transportation and other expenses incurred in New Jersey, New York and several other states.
Villanova also is accused of using the league's money to post bail for his arrest last year by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.
Antunez did not have details of Villanova's previous arrest and Villanova is not listed among court records of indicted and sentenced cases.
Villanova has been released on a summons pending a future court date, Antunez said.
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