A Willcox woman investigated for stealing more than $20,000 from a youth football and cheer league earlier this year may have also misused funds from the Willcox Little League program, according to documents obtained from the Willcox Police Department.
The documents note the Cochise County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the investigation file to determine what charges to file against Katrina Dee Brewer, who was the volunteer with both community sports organizations.
The name of a suspect is typically not publicized until an arrest is made or formal charges are brought forth. However, Brewer was publicly identified by Willcox Police Chief Dale Hadfield in September, and Brewer has made comments admitting her misuse of the youth league funds.
Brewer, 36, came under investigation in August when the president of the Willcox Youth Football and Cheer League notified Hadfield of several unauthorized cash withdrawals, online banking transfers, and credit card charges against the group’s checking account. She was the league’s volunteer treasurer at the time.
The discovery occurred when league officials inquired on the status of uniforms for about 70 children signed up to participate in a new season of football and cheer. The league had nearly $17,568 in the bank on June 24 but less than $3 on Aug. 5, with none of the funds going to the uniform company, the police report notes.
Brewer, the mother of three, told Willcox PD investigators during a post-Miranda interview on Aug. 31 that none of the league’s money was left. She admitted spending it on her house, food, and other personal expenses, the report notes.
Despite the admission, Brewer was not arrested during her police interview. One concern appears to have been a medical issue which required Brewer to take several medications. Information concerning those medications is redacted in the police report.
Later, Willcox Sgt. Jericho Valle was advised that the Willcox Little League Baseball & Softball organization may also have been the victim of embezzlement.
Brewer’s volunteer work for the Little League reportedly gave her access to the group’s financial accounts.
Valle has been working with Michael Powell of the Cochise County Attorney’s Office to issue subpoenas and search warrants to various bank and financial services companies. This will provide official copies of records and statements which are needed if there is a prosecution of Brewer or anyone else who may have aided or abetted the thefts.
No estimate was provided to Arizona Daily Independent as to when a charging decision will be made.