Soccer Mom Arrested In Thefts Of $174,000 From Youth League
FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — A former volunteer for the Fullerton Rangers Youth Soccer Club was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of stealing money from the organization.
Laura Zellerbach of Long Beach, 41, was taken into custody at a mall in Lakewood on charges of money laundering, forgery of records, grand theft, misappropriation of property and embezzlement, Sgt. Kathryn Hamel of the Fullerton Police Department said.
The soccer club alleged in a crime report in May that Zellerbach embezzled more than $30,000 while she was a treasurer for the soccer club from 2012 to 2014. Investigators said they later discovered that the mother-of-three stole much more than that.
"Fullerton police detectives conducted an extensive investigation which revealed funds in excess of $ 174,000.00 had been embezzled by Mrs. Zellerbach during the time that she was the treasurer of the Fullerton Rangers Youth Soccer Club," the sergeant said.
Zellerbach's arrest came as Fullerton city officials are investigating whether the club may have used its nonprofit status to receive reduced rates and gain access to city fields.
A spokesperson for the city said a for-profit company has been tied to the soccer club.