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West Boynton Little League Hit by Embezzlement Allegations

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 20:39 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

West Boynton, Florida - January 19, 2026 - A cloud of disappointment and frustration hangs over the West Boynton Little League following allegations of embezzlement against a former treasurer. Robert Joseph DeWitt, 44, is facing criminal charges after authorities discovered he allegedly misappropriated over $87,000 from the league's accounts to support his tile business, Tamiami Tile, between January 2023 and December 2023. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confirmed the charges and subsequent arrest.

The alleged scheme unfolded over a ten-month period, with DeWitt reportedly making unauthorized transactions totaling $87,489.58. The investigation, initiated after irregularities were noticed in the league's financial records, uncovered a concerning pattern of misuse of funds. Investigators traced numerous charges made to the West Boynton Little League's bank accounts that were demonstrably linked to Amazon and used to cover expenses directly related to DeWitt's tile business, Tamiami Tile.

How the Scheme Unfolded: A Detailed Look

While the specifics of how DeWitt bypassed financial controls within the Little League remain under investigation, the available evidence paints a clear picture of deliberate misappropriation. The use of Amazon appears to have been a key element in concealing the fraudulent transactions. It's likely DeWitt purchased materials, equipment, or other business-related items through Amazon, using the Little League's funds and disguising them as legitimate expenses. The volume of these charges - nearly $88,000 - suggests a sustained and carefully planned operation, not a spur-of-the-moment lapse in judgment.

The reliance on Amazon is noteworthy. Small businesses frequently utilize online retailers like Amazon for their convenience and broad selection, allowing for easier obfuscation. This likely made it more difficult for the league's internal oversight to detect the fraudulent activity, as purchases might have appeared routine on the surface. A more robust system of internal checks and balances, perhaps requiring approval for all transactions over a certain amount, or a deeper review of vendor invoices, could potentially have prevented the embezzlement.

Legal Ramifications and Community Impact

DeWitt has been formally charged with one count of grand theft. He was apprehended and processed at the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was released on a $25,000 bond. A conviction on the grand theft charge carries potentially significant penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office will prosecute the case, and the evidence gathered by the Sheriff's Office will be presented in court.

The repercussions extend beyond the legal arena. The West Boynton Little League, a vital community organization for children's sports and development, has suffered a significant financial blow. More importantly, the incident has eroded trust within the league and the broader community. The Little League board of directors, understandably, has declined to offer public comment, likely to avoid prejudicing the ongoing legal proceedings.

Preventative Measures and Future Considerations

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent financial controls and oversight within non-profit organizations and volunteer-led groups. Beyond the immediate legal consequences for DeWitt, the incident prompts a critical review of the West Boynton Little League's financial management practices.

Experts in non-profit governance recommend several key preventative measures, including:

• Segregation of Duties: No single individual should have complete control over financial transactions. Multiple individuals should be involved in approving payments, reconciling bank statements, and managing accounts.
• Regular Audits: Independent audits conducted by certified professionals provide an objective assessment of financial health and identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Background Checks: Thorough background checks on individuals handling league funds are crucial.
• Whistleblower Protections: Creating a safe and confidential channel for reporting suspected wrongdoing encourages transparency and accountability.
• Mandatory Financial Training: Providing financial literacy and fraud prevention training for volunteers handling funds can raise awareness and reduce the risk of errors or intentional misconduct.

The West Boynton Little League will need to restore the financial losses and, more importantly, rebuild the community's confidence in its leadership and financial integrity. The future of the league hinges on demonstrating a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the funds entrusted to it.