LOS ANGELES, CA – A former president of the Camarillo Girls Softball Association was arrested after investigators alleged that thousands of dollars belonging to the youth sports organization were used for personal purchases.
Paul Gallo, 59, of Thousand Oaks, was arrested Sept. 15 following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office into a possible embezzlement involving the organization.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, patrol deputies received a report of possible financial misconduct involving the former association president during September. The investigation was then taken over by detectives with the Camarillo Investigation Bureau.
Investigators alleged that Gallo used association funds to make personal purchases, resulting in losses of several thousand dollars. Authorities have not publicly released a more specific total for the alleged losses.
Gallo was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on a charge of grand theft. He was later released after posting $10,000 bail.
Investigation focused on youth softball funds
The Camarillo Girls Softball Association is a volunteer nonprofit organization serving youth players in the Camarillo community. Its stated mission includes developing softball skills while promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and other values among young athletes.
The organization operates programs for different age groups and also runs competitive opportunities, including All-Stars and select programs. Its current program information shows teams ranging from younger recreational players through older youth athletes.
The allegations therefore involve funds connected to a community youth sports organization rather than a private commercial business. The Sheriff’s Office has characterized the reported losses as several thousand dollars.
The available public information does not specify which purchases investigators believe were personal, how long the alleged activity continued or when the organization first became aware of the suspected misuse of funds.
Grand theft charge
Gallo was arrested on suspicion of violating California Penal Code Section 487, the state’s grand theft statute. California courts describe grand theft as including theft involving property valued above $950, subject to exceptions contained in the law.
The statute also allows the value of certain related thefts to be aggregated when the conduct involves distinct but related acts motivated by one intention, general impulse and plan.
That legal framework does not establish that Gallo committed the alleged conduct. The arrest represents the Sheriff’s Office’s allegations, and any criminal case must proceed through the court system.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office explains that prosecutors review cases submitted by law enforcement and determine whether criminal charges should be filed based on the facts and applicable law.
Case expected to continue through court
Public information indicates Gallo is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on Sept. 29, according to court and jail records reported after his arrest.
The Sheriff’s Office has not publicly provided additional details about the investigation, including whether investigators believe other people were involved or whether additional charges are being considered.
For the Camarillo Girls Softball Association, the case centers on allegations involving money intended to support a youth sports program. The organization’s public materials continue to promote its softball programs, volunteer opportunities and activities for young players.
Gallo has not been convicted of the allegations. The grand theft charge remains a criminal accusation unless and until it is resolved in court.
