Prosecutors file criminal charges against La Verne girls softball treasurer accused of embezzlement

POMONA -- Prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the former treasurer of a La Verne girls softball league, who was arrested on suspicion of embezzling at least $20,000 from the league.

Christine Lopez, 38, is scheduled to appear in Pomona Superior Court Tuesday morning for an arraignment hearing.

Lopez, of Pomona, was charged on July 21 with a single count of grand theft by embezzlement, said Sandi Gibbons, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The former treasurer of the La Verne Girls Softball Association was arrested Jan. 8 and posted bail.

Lopez's alleged theft was discovered by the league last year. Following an independent audit of the league's finances the case was turned over to the La Verne Police Department.

"We knew the case was a good case. There was plenty of evidence there," said Steve Carrillo, former league president. "When we handed it over to the police, we expected that based on the information we had there was definitely going to be a filing."

Carrillo said the league still has unpaid bills because of Lopez's alleged theft, which league officials believe exceeded $20,000.

"At first it was devastating because we were left with a little over $500 in the account," said Carrillo, of La Verne, whose daughter plays in the league.

Carrillo said he hopes the league can recover some of its funds as a result of the criminal prosecution against Lopez.

"This is not the league's money," Carrillo said. "This belongs to the parents and the kids."