Former Valencia High School Baseball Coach Accused Of Embezzling $15K

VALENCIA (CBSLA.com) — A felony arrest warrant was issued for a former high school coach accused of embezzling at least $15,000 from school funds intended for the baseball program.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, a seven-count felony complaint was filed Thursday against former Valencia High School varsity baseball coach Jared Snyder.

Deputies explained the complaint accused Snyder of misappropriation of public funds by a public officer, embezzlement by a public officer and grand theft by embezzlement.

In late 2013, parents from Valencia High School accused Snyder of committing financial wrongdoing.

These allegations prompted the William S. Hart School District to conduct an audit of the school baseball program to determine if there was evidence of misconduct by staff members.

The audit revealed substantial evidence that suggested Snyder had been misappropriating funds from the high school's associated student body by submitting fraudulent reimbursements, authorities explained.

In March 2014, the LASD's Fraud & Cyber Crimes Bureau began a 10 month investigation based on the results of the school district's audit.

During this time, Snyder subsequently took a sudden, surprise leave of absence amongst speculation in the investigation.

Detectives learned that Snyder had opened a second bank account in the name of Valencia Diamond Club, without notifying the district.

Money deposited into this account reportedly came from fundraisers and donations intended for the Valencia High School baseball program.

According to deputies, Snyder is accused of making monthly payments to his personal credit cards from this bank account for charges that were unrelated to the school's baseball program.

The audit also revealed that Snyder sought reimbursement for items previously reimbursed by the school's student body.

In total, $8,000 in fraudulent cash reimbursements were allegedly embezzled by Snyder from the ASB.

Officials explained an additional $7,000 was misdirected from the fraudulent bank account to pay for his personal credit card charges.

Snyder's bail was set to $70,000 by a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge.

He is scheduled to surrender on Wednesday at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, officials reported.

RELATED: Successful High School Baseball Coach Takes Sudden, Surprise Leave Of Absence