A Las Vegas Little League organization is involved in a controversy over alleged financial misconduct. The former president of the league’s board, Steve Rodriguez Prado, faces accusations of spending league funds on personal expenses like strip clubs and erectile dysfunction medication.
Court records from the Las Vegas Justice Court reveal allegations against Prado, accused of taking nearly $65,000 from the Little League’s funds. The charges include one count of theft, two counts of forgery, and failing to register with local law enforcement as a convicted person within the required timeframe. Las Vegas Metro Police Department reports that Prado made over 75 Zelle transfers to a business owned by his wife, totaling almost $64,000.
Prado reportedly spent league money on various personal expenses, including casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, air travel, ride-shares, and video games, in addition to those mentioned before. The investigation reportedly uncovered a strip club receipt for $1,351, with a $433 tip, and purchases of erectile dysfunction medication, totaling $294. Allegations include nearly $2,000 spent on casino visits.
Robert Fleming, District 2 Administrator for Nevada Little League, expressed dismay over these events. He suggested a unique punishment if Prado is found guilty, proposing that children might line up to throw baseballs at him as a penalty. Although not seen as a feasible punishment, it highlighted the seriousness of the trust breach.
The scandal left the Central Little League with just $25 in its bank account, threatening the continuation of their season. However, several organizations, including the Athletics, came forward with donations to save the season and prevent its cancellation.