Freehold Township Little League President Stole $73K, Prosecutor Says

FREEHOLD, NJ — The president of the Freehold Township Little League has been accused of stealing over $73,000 from the organization over the course of nearly three years, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said.

Donald Petito, 42, of Freehold, was charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking or disposition in connection with the matter, Santiago said.

Petito was arrested and charged following an investigation by the Financial Crimes & Special Prosecutions Unit of the prosecutor's office, which was prompted by a Monmouth County Crime Stoppers Tip.

According to authorities, starting in March 2022, Petito began submitting fraudulent reimbursement requests to the League for purchases with inflated values or not made at all.

Investigators also accused Petito of stealing funds from the League’s Venmo funds by first transferring them to his personal Venmo account, then transferring them to a business account under his direct control.

Petito was served with the charges against him via summons, pending future proceedings to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Patch has reached out to Freehold Township Little League for comment. This article will be updated if a response is received.

Attorney information for Petito was not immediately available. The case is being handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos.

Anyone with further information about Petito's activities is being asked to contact MCPO Detective Debra Bassinder at 800-533-7443.