PBAA President, Other Board Members Resign

Plum Borough Athletic Association President Richard Claypoole and five other board members have resigned from their positions on Sunday.

Last week, Plum Council agreed to file a landlord-tenant complaint against the PBAA with Plum District Magistrate Linda Zucco. The organization's lease on eight ballfields along Ross Hollow Road had been terminated, but the PBAA hadn't removed its property from the ballfields.

A detective with the DA's office has charged Claypoole with theft by deception; and misapplication of entrusted property and property of government or financial institutions. Claypoole is accused of payments to himself and his business, Richmar—the company provides equipment to the PBAA and is operated out of Claypoole's home—with PBAA funds between 2008 and 2011.

When borough officials letter in September, they cited several permit violations and called for the current board to step down. At a council meeting in October, several residents the organization's current board members.

According to the PBAA website, the president, colt baseball director, pony baseball director, minor baseball director, junior softball director and rookie softball director positions currently are vacant.

Vice president Bill Auth and secretary Jim McGrath remain on the board.

Councilman Mike Doyle said he hopes the resignations will not affect council's decision to pursue a landlord-tenant complaint.

"It's a real black eye for the borough," he said.