Dona Ana Sheriff’s Office arrest T-ball coach for allegedly embezzling more than $1,000

An Anthony, New Mexico man who allegedly embezzled $1,100 in fees for a youth T-ball team has surrendered to authorities.

Moises Martinez, 40, was booked into the Doa Ana County Detention Center on Dec. 1 just before 9 p.m. According to jail records, he posted a $3,500 secured bond the following day.

Martinez is charged with embezzlement after he allegedly did not produce uniforms as promised and failed to hold any practices.

Doa Ana County Sheriff’s Department detectives say several parents came forward to report they had answered a Facebook post from Martinez, who was reportedly organizing a T-ball team for children between the ages of 4 and 6.

Thirteen parents paid Martinez $1,100 for registration fees, uniforms and t-shirts. Shortly after collecting the money Martinez began to cancel practice and did not return phone calls, sheriff’s officials said.

The sheriff’s department began investigating the allegation after a parent reported it to the department.

Parents of the children who signed up for the team reportedly began coaching the team themselves, with donated t-shirts.