JACKSON – The former president and treasurer of Holbrook Little League pled guilty today to the theft of $126,000 from the league between 2014 and 2017, announced Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Anthony Del Vecchio, 64, and John Lehman, 56, both of Jackson, pled guilty to third degree Theft by Unlawful Taking this afternoon, but despite this, may not be facing any jail time.
The state is recommending a term of non-custodial probation for both men – probation without incarceration – conditioned upon the repayment of $63,085.41 by each to Holbrooke Little League and 100 hours of community service.
The pair is required to pay restitution upon their sentencing dates or they will go to prison. Del Vecchio is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2020 and Lehman is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2020.
“Both defendants will be required to pay restitution in full on or before their respective sentencing date(s), pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement. If they don’t come up with the restitution in full, we will be seeking a custodial sentence,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “This plea agreement was extended with the advice and consent of the Holbrooke Little League Executive Board.”
In November 2017, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received reports of theft from the Holbrook Little League by League President Anthony Del Vecchio. Further 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, according to the OCPO.
The pair was arrested in February 2018.
