Former Brockton Youth Baseball President Accused of Embezzlement

BROCKTON, MA— Downey Youth Baseball, a nonprofit organization that manages one of the two youth baseball leagues in Brockton, is suing its former president for allegedly stealing more than $64,000 from the league’s bank account during the past three years, according to a civil complaint that suggested the financial abuse may stretch further back into his 13-year tenure at the helm of Downey Youth Baseball.

Jim Medeiros, who started as a coach 27 years ago and served as president for 17 years, resigned in June after posting a comment from the league's Facebook account criticizing students for participating in a Black Lives Matter rally. As a result of the comment, the league held an emergency board meeting and elected John Stevens as interim president.

According to a press release from the Downey Youth Baseball Board of Directors, the lawsuit was filed on October 19 in Brockton Superior Court after a preliminary investigation and served last week due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In June 2020, James Medeiros resigned as Downey President," said the press release. "Subsequently, the new President and Treasurer reviewed the Downey Youth Baseball bank records and discovered several accounting discrepancies."

"This alleged theft has shocked and saddened our league, but we believe it is our duty as a board to hold Mr. Medeiros accountable for his actions. We thank everyone for their support. Downey Youth Baseball is committed to providing our players with an environment that encourages Teamwork, Dedication, and Fair Play."

According to the lawsuit, bank records reveal that Medeiros spent roughly $41,500 on Amazon purchases, food, health insurance, and other personal expenses during the past three years. Another $23,000 raised through fundraising and the cash proceeds from the concession stands were never deposited into the league's account, which Medeiros had sole financial control of.

Downey Youth Baseball said they are currently accepting donations through GoFundMe to regain some of the lost funds.

"This alleged theft has caused a significant financial hardship to the league," said The Law Offices of Sean M. Murphy, P.C., representing Downey Youth Baseball, in a press release. "It is unfortunate for this type of thing to happen to anyone, let alone kids. Please help these kids out by sharing and donating to their Go Fund Me page. The Law Offices of Sean M. Murphy, P.C. has agreed to cover all litigation costs and any donations made will go directly to the league to help rebuild for the upcoming season."