Ex-Softball League Official to Stand Trial

The past president of the Sunland-Tujunga Community Softball League is scheduled to stand trial in October on charges that she embezzled at least $5,000 in team funds over a six-month period earlier this year, authorities said Wednesday.

Karen D. Moore of Sunland pleaded not guilty to grand theft by embezzlement of $5,000 in checks and an undetermined amount of cash at an arraignment earlier this month, said Assistant Dist. Atty. Gloria Katz. Moore’s trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Neither Moore nor her attorney, Los Angeles County Public Defender C. Edward Mack, could be reached for comment Wednesday.

League officials said they discovered that team funds were being mismanaged when checks written to pay for liability insurance, league association dues and other expenses were returned because of insufficient funds.

The nonprofit league receives its revenues from player registration fees and donations from area businesses and community groups, league officials said. The money is used to pay for operating expenses as well as for uniforms and trophies awarded to the players--ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade--at the end of the season.

After an intensive internal investigation, league officials said, they discovered that Moore had written numerous checks to cash rather than to pay creditors.

League officials said they made a formal complaint to police, who arrested Moore on Aug. 27. She remained in custody until Sept. 5, when she posted bail.

Despite last season’s financial setback, enthusiasm among the boys and girls on league teams remains high, officials said.

“The league has proceeded this season as usual,” said current President Cory Smith. “We have a lot of community, business and parental support. We have been able to pay our insurance, dues and shirts and still have $5,000 left over. In fact, we have more kids than we have teams.”