Former Baseball League President Charged With Theft

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — The former president of the Crystal Lake baseball league was arrested in recent months for allegations he stole about $25,000 from the non-profit organization, authorities said Friday. Joey S. Maurer, 44, of Crystal Lake, is accused of making unauthorized cash withdrawals and purchases using funds from the local league.

Board members from the youth organization, which is located at 8601 Pyott Road in Lake in the Hills, contacted police after noticing suspicious transactions being made from the league's bank account, according to a news release from the Lake in the Hills Police Department.

The Crystal Lake Baseball league is funded by player membership fees, fundraising, corporate sponsorships and concession sales. After a lengthy investigation, police linked Maurer to the theft, according to authorities. Authorities say Maurer stole money from the Crystal Lake Baseball league fund between November 2014 and September 2016.

Lake in the Hills police issued a warrant for Maurer's arrest. He turned himself into the McHenry County Jail on Aug. 29.

Maurer, of the 1400 block of Blue Heron Drive, is charged with theft over $10,000 but less than $100,000 and was released after posting his $5,000 bail. His trial date has been set for Nov. 20.