King 5 reports that the (now former) treasurer of the Terrace-Brier soccer club has been relieved of her duties after apparently stealing money from the club for the past 3 years:

“Several children may not be able to play soccer in the Terrace-Brier Soccer Club this summer, because someone stole all of the money.
Board president Tim Bressler says the club treasurer has been relieved of her duties after it appears she wrote checks to herself for the past three years, subsequently draining the club bank account.
Lynnwood Police say the woman is under investigation for stealing $77,000 in club funds over the course of three years.”

View the King 5 video below:

Club president and vice president, Tim Bressler and Jim Coffelt, made statement of the club’s web site on Friday:

Terrace Brier Soccer Club members,

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that an incident has occurred within our soccer club. Recently, it came to our attention that the clubs bank account was overdrawn. An immediate investigation began by the executive board of the club. After a meeting with the Treasurer, the clubs records were retrieved and the Treasurer was immediately suspended and removed from the bank account. During a meeting with the bank manager it was discovered that a theft had occurred and the Executive Board then referred the matter to the police for further investigation.

As part of one of several meetings of the Executive Board a motion was made to remove the current Treasurer and fill the vacancy with the current club President and Director of Referees as interim co-Treasurers until such time the board determines that the position will be filled with a permanent Treasurer.

At this time, the clubs former Treasurer is cooperating with law enforcement officials. The full extent of the theft is not known at this time, but it is estimated that the loss is in excess of $75,000. The club does have insurance which may cover a portion of the theft and the former Treasurer has offered to make restitution. The police investigation is ongoing and the general membership will be updated accordingly.

Looking forward, we will be changing our internal policies/procedures to provide more oversight and control over the bank account and records of the club. As those changes are finalized, they will be presented to the general membership for a vote.

This is an unfortunate event that has occurred, but we look forward to a brighter future and successful operation of the club on behalf of the kids who benefit from the programs provided. While this means we are struggling financially we will work thru this and the club is planning to put on summer soccer camps and fall soccer program for the kids.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support of our club. Should you have any questions, please contact

Tim Bressler, TBSC President at tbsc.timb@comcast.net or,

Jim Coffelt, TBSC Vice President, at stoutman@netzero.net.

[image courtesy Brit]