An Anthony man accused of collecting more than $1,000 in fees for a youth t-ball team has been charged with embezzlement after he allegedly did not produce uniforms as promised and abruptly canceled practices.
A nationwide warrant was issued earlier this week for the arrest of 40-year-old Moises Martinez. According to Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department detectives, several parents came forward to report they had answered a Facebook post from Martinez, who was reportedly organizing a t-ball team for children ages four to six years of age.
Altogether, thirteen parents paid Martinez $1,100 for registration fees, uniforms and t-shirts. Shortly after, Martinez began to cancel practice and did not immediately return phone calls.
One of the parents reported the incident to the sheriff’s department, which launched an investigation. According to detectives, Martinez was initially cooperating and was going to turn himself in on Nov. 23, but he remains at large.
A sheriff’s deputy who went to serve the warrant on Martinez at his home on St. Anthony Street said a note was left on the door indicating that Martinez would be out of town until Nov. 30. Two dogs were also reportedly left in the backyard without food or water. Both animals were turned over to the care of animal services.
Martinez has been charged with embezzlement over $500. A warrant for his arrest was issuedMonday, with bond set at $5,000 cash.
Parents of the children who signed up for the team reportedly began coaching the team themselves, with donated t-shirts.
Information from Doña Ana County