$5,400 Reported Embezzled from Redlands East Valley Little League

A former treasurer and former president of Redlands East Valley Little League have been accused of embezzling more than $5,000 of registration fees and other funds, an alleged crime first reported to police in February.

On Wednesday, a Redlands police detective questioned board members about the missing funds and the two women who are accused, current league president Don Schleicher said in a phone interview.

The league is also known as Mentone Little League, with 10 teams and 108 players, Schleicher said.

Schleicher, a retired Air Force officer and college professor, said league board members confronted former treasurer Kathrine Burrola in mid-February about missing funds and she told the board she took $4,800 "because she hadn't worked in the past two years," Schleicher said.

"She did not apologize or express remorse," Schleicher said. "She did say all along she meant to replace the money. . . . Once this came out she yanked her 12-year-old son out of the league and we haven't heard from her since."

Schleicher said he and other board members have also accused Burrola's mother, Sylvia Burrola, because as former league president, she was accountable for the league's funds. Schleicher contends that $5,400 total is missing.

Kathrine and Sylvia Burrola could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

A spokesman for Redlands police confirmed the department is investigating the alleged crime.

"(W)e received a report on Feb. 28 from a board member for the Redlands East Valley Little League reporting embezzlement of at least $5000," Redlands spokesman Carl Baker said in an email, adding he could not release any other information.

Schleicher said he has contacted an insurance company and Little League headquarters in Pennsylvania, who advised him not to have any contact with the Burrolas until the case is adjudicated.

Schleicher said a Redlands police detective told him police intended to present their case to the District Attorney's Office, who would determine whether a criminal charge or charges are appropriate.

Schleicher said he and other board members had to put up about $3,000 of their own money to make sure all the league's players had uniforms in time for the start of this season in March.

Third District Supervisor Neil Derry, who learned of the league's plight Tuesday, pledged to give $5,000 from a discretionary fund to replace the missing funds.

"It's a sad situation, hopefully this will help them out for this season and next season, with uniforms and their other needs," Derry said in a phone interview. "It's fortunate I had some available funds to help them out."

Schleicher said he met twice Wednesday with the same Redlands police detective. League games were continuing on schedule next to Mentone Elementary, Schleicher said.