Police arrested a Sherwood, Oregon, man Wednesday for allegedly embezzling more than $700,000 from a local junior baseball league.
Terrence Haimoto, 52, served as the treasurer for Sherwood Junior Baseball Organization for more than seven years. Leaders within the SJBO reached out to law enforcement after an internal audit revealed discrepancies in the organization’s bank accounts, according to a news release issued by Sherwood Police on Friday.
Police said that, starting in 2017, Haimoto had transferred money from the league to his bank accounts, funds that were later spent at local casinos. He also served as the treasurer for the state Junior Baseball Organization. Police said detectives noticed similar suspicious transactions in that organization’s accounts.
Haimoto resigned from his position as treasurer in late 2023, according to SJBO meeting minutes. He now faces seven counts of aggravated theft in the first degree and three counts of theft in the first degree.
In a public statement, the SJBO said they have since implemented further financial controls to prevent future embezzlement or theft.
“We are deeply troubled by the actions of the individual involved in this unfortunate incident,” the statement reads. “We have implemented rigorous internal financial controls, ensured transparency by openly holding board meetings, and reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to prioritizing the kids first in everything we are doing.”
Leaders from the organization did not immediately respond to OPB’s requests for comment.