_____________________________ ST. NORBERT CHURCH           RATES ________________________

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Criminal Complaint Filed Against Former Valencia HS Coach

On January 15, 2015, a seven count felony complaint was filed against Jared Snyder (former Varsity Baseball Coach at Valencia High School) alleging counts of Misappropriation of Public Funds by a Public Officer, Embezzlement by a Public Officer, and Grand Theft by Embezzlement.

In late 2013, parents from Valencia High School, made an allegation of financial wrong-doings by the Head Varsity Coach, Jared Snyder.  The allegations prompted William S. Hart School District to conduct an audit of the Valencia High School Baseball Program to determine if there was any evidence of misconduct by Snyder or members of his staff.  During the audit, it was discovered there was substantial evidence to suggest Snyder had been misappropriating funds from the Valencia High School Associated Student Body, by submitting fraudulent reimbursements.  The case was reported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department for further investigation.

In March 2014, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Fraud & Cyber Crimes Bureau initiated an investigation based on the findings of the William S. Hart School District’s audit.  During the ten month investigation, evidence was gathered that showed Snyder was submitting fraudulent reimbursement forms to Valencia High School ASB.  During the district audit, it was discovered that Snyder had opened a second bank account in the name of Valencia Diamond Club, unbeknownst to the district.  The source of the deposits into this bank account was from fundraisers and donations intended for the Valencia High School Baseball program and its players.  During the audit, it was determined Snyder was seeking reimbursement for items previously reimbursed by the ASB.  The investigation revealed that Snyder was making monthly payments to his personal credit cards from the second “Valencia Diamond Club” bank account.  In addition to the fraudulent cash reimbursements, Snyder was using the same credit cards to make personal charges unrelated to the Valencia High School Baseball program.

The investigation revealed there was $8,000.00 in fraudulent cash reimbursements embezzled from the ASB. An additional $7,000.00-plus was misdirected from the second Valencia Diamond Club bank account to pay for his personal charges on credit cards.  Due to the unavailability of records from retail stores and online companies, it is believed the loss exceeds what was listed in the complaint.

On January 15, 2015, Judge Henry Barela of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, issued a felony arrest warrant for Snyder, bail was set at $70,000.00.  Snyder is scheduled to surrender at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on January 21, 2015.