Ex-President Must Pay Restitution to League

A former head of the Sunland-Tujunga Community Softball League who pleaded no contest to embezzling funds from the nonprofit group last year has been ordered to repay the money and spend a year in jail.

San Fernando Superior Court Judge L. Jeffrey Wiatt on Wednesday ordered Karen D. Moore to pay the league $9,000 in restitution.

In addition to a year in County Jail, Moore was sentenced to three years’ probation, Deputy Dist. Atty. Dan Damon said.

“The league is thankful that this has been resolved,” said Cory Smith, who served as league president after Moore left.

“Now we can get on with the league,” said Smith, now chief umpire.

Moore, 43, came under suspicion in May 1997 when checks to an umpires association and an insurance company, among others, were returned because of insufficient funds in the league’s account.

After a Los Angeles Police Department investigation, Moore was arrested Aug. 27 and held until she posted bail Sept. 5.

Moore pleaded no contest to the embezzlement charge in December and was ordered to reimburse the league but never did, league officials said.

When she failed to appear at a sentencing hearing June 1, an arrest warrant was issued, Damon said. Moore surrendered to authorities June 11, Damon said.

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

The league receives revenues from player registration fees and donations from community groups and area businesses, Smith said. The money is used for operating expenses, uniforms and player trophies.