Ex-Youth Baseball Group President Accused Of Stealing $49k

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (AP) — Prosecutors say the former president of a youth baseball organization in western New York embezzled about $49,000 from the club and used some of it to gamble at a casino.

Kevin Chodkowski, of West Seneca, has been jailed on $25,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of grand larceny and falsifying business records.

Prosecutors say the 46-year-old had been the president of the West Seneca Youth Baseball Association from 2011 to 2014.

During that time, authorities say Chodkowski diverted funds into his personal bank account using checks and ATM withdrawals from league accounts and fundraisers. They say he also altered business records on invoices.

Chodkowski's attorney says he tried to negotiate with prosecutors before his indictment.

He faces up to seven years behind bars if convicted of all charges.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]