TOMS RIVER – A Jackson man was sentenced to two years of non-custodial probation, 100 hours of community service and was ordered to pay back the money he and another township man stole from the Holbrook Little League.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer reported that Anthony Del Vecchio, 64, had been sentenced on Jan. 24 by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski.
Del Vecchio made full restitution of the $63,085.41 to the Holbrook Little League at the time of his sentencing which came as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Theft by Unlawful Taking. He and his co-defendant, John Lehman, pled guilty to the charge before Judge Gizinski on December 2, 2019.
Lehman’s sentencing is scheduled for March 20. The plea agreement was entered into with the advice, consent and approval of the Holbrook Little League Executive Board.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received information on November 27, 2017, detailing an alleged theft of funds from the Holbrook Little League by League President Anthony Del Vecchio. An investigation revealed that Del Vecchio and Treasurer John Lehman had converted over approximately $126,000 for their benefit.
Del Vecchio and Lehman were the only signatories on the account and both signatures were required on all checks.
Ann Kilmovich became the new president of the Holbrook Little League and said on Jan. 24 that she was pleased that the sentence involved restitution for funds taken from the leagues. “It was in the best interest of the team members and their families that there be restitution. Jail time alone doesn’t benefit anyone,” she said.
Kilmovich also noted that some social media criticism had emerged since today’s sentencing that “is 95% inaccurate and is from bitter people who were part of our board years ago.”
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler for prosecuting the case on behalf of the State. He also recognized the diligence of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and High-Tech Crime Unit.
“This day of reckoning has been a long time coming, and today Del Vecchio has finally answered for his betrayal of the trust of the children and families who make up the Holbrook Little League,” Prosecutor Billhimer said.
