A Staggering Betrayal: Over $400,000 Allegedly Stolen from Youth Football Dreams

In a deeply troubling case that has sent shockwaves through the community, the former treasurer of the Franklin Township Pop Warner youth football league, Alicia Campbell, stands accused of embezzling over $400,000 meant for local children. The allegations paint a grim picture of a trusted official diverting vital funds, earmarked for uniforms, equipment, and opportunities for young athletes, into her own pockets.

According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Campbell, 45, of Somerset, is facing serious charges including second-degree theft by deception, second-degree computer theft, and second-degree misapplication of entrusted property.

The investigation, a meticulous effort spanning months, uncovered a pattern of alleged illicit financial activity between August 2015 and April 2021.

During her tenure as treasurer, Campbell was entrusted with the financial stewardship of the non-profit organization, which serves hundreds of children in the Franklin Township area.

Instead of safeguarding these funds, prosecutors assert that Campbell systematically siphoned off more than $400,000, allegedly using the money to finance a lavish personal lifestyle. Details emerging from the investigation suggest these ill-gotten gains were spent on a variety of personal expenses, including luxury vacations and cosmetic surgery, all while the youth league struggled to fund its programs.

The impact on the Franklin Township Pop Warner league and its young participants cannot be overstated.

Funds that could have provided scholarships, upgraded facilities, or ensured every child had the necessary gear for safe play were allegedly diverted. This not only represents a financial loss but a profound breach of trust, shaking the confidence of parents, volunteers, and the community at large who believed their contributions were directly supporting children's growth and development.

Campbell’s alleged actions also cast a shadow over her past public service; she had previously served on the Franklin Township School Board, a position from which she resigned in April 2021, around the time the financial discrepancies began to surface.

The investigation was initiated after officials with the Pop Warner organization discovered suspicious transactions and reported them to authorities.

The charges against Campbell are severe, and the case is being diligently prosecuted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the necessary steps will be taken to prevent such a devastating breach of trust from ever happening again, ensuring the integrity of organizations dedicated to nurturing the potential of local youth.