JACKSON – Two Jackson residents who are former officials with the township’s Holbrook Little League have been charged with theft and conspiracy from the youth baseball organization.
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato charged Anthony M. Del Vecchio, 63, and John M. Lehmann, 55, with second-degree theft and conspiracy to commit theft for the alleged misappropriation of league finances.
Del Vecchio was the league president and Lehmann was the league treasurer during the time of the alleged criminal activity.
Attorney Richard Lomurro, who represents Del Vecchio, said, “At this time it is impossible to comment on the charges because we have not received any discovery or investigative reports from the police or prosecutor’s office. It is our intention to vigorously defend Mr. Del Vecchio, who has dedicated over 25 years to the Holbrook Little League and is highly regarded by the members of his community.”
The prosecutor’s office said it has not received information regarding Lehmann’s legal representation.
Authorities said the charges stem from an investigation that began in December after an anonymous letter detailing the alleged theft of funds from the league was received. The investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
A review of the league’s finances from 2014 to the present was conducted by the prosecutor’s office with the cooperation of the league’s executive board members. According to the prosecutor’s office, board members raised concerns about league funds after observing discrepancies in their accounts.
The investigation revealed Del Vecchio and Lehmann, the sole signatories on the league’s bank accounts, had allegedly converted more than $118,000 of league funds to their benefit.
The Economic Crimes Unit verified Lehmann was the sole debit card holder on the league account and had allegedly misused the card in excess of $500, according to the prosecutor’s office.
