The treasurer of a Gwinnett youth football league has resigned days after authorities charged him with stealing hundreds of dollars during a cheerleading tournament.
Rodney "Shane" Houston was in charge of money for more than 200 youth teams across Gwinnett County.
Sheriff's investigators Say Houston was caught in the act of stealing $500 from the ticket cash box while working a cheering tournament at the Gwinnett Center.
A volunteer allegedly noticed Houston putting a stack of $20 bills in his pocket. That volunteer alerted a deputy on duty.
"Mr. Houston was asked about the alleged theft, at which time he was also asked to empty his pockets," said Lt. Sean Smith of the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department.
Smith said that there was about $500 in cash in Houston's pockets. Houston maintained that the money was his.
"GFL officials asked him if he would just return the money and admit to the theft, that they would not proceed with prosecution. He maintained his innocence," said Houston.
Deputies arrested Houston for theft and booked him in the Gwinnett County jail. He made bond hours later.
FOX 5 has that Houston has resigned his post as treasurer of the youth rec organization.
"This is troubling. The kids work hard and the parents spend a lot of money to put their children in these types of events," said Smith.
Gwinnett Football League president Erik Richards said in a statement, "We believe this was an isolated incident and we will be hiring an outside auditor to confirm… We have a protocol in place on how money will be accounted for and it appears that procedure may have not been followed."
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:33 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:33:57 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Main Number: (404) 875-5555 News Tips: (404) 898-0100
Rodney "Shane" Houston is accused of stealing money from a youth league.
