WELLSBURG — The former president of the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association has been charged with embezzling funds from the volunteer-run youth sports league.

Eric M. Smith, 37, of 719 Virginia Ave., Follansbee, has been charged with the crime following an investigation by the Wellsburg Police Department.

A criminal complaint filed against Smith states he’s believed to have used funds from the baseball association’s account to purchase uniforms for a traveling baseball team not affiliated with the group and to pay bills for Internet service to his home.

Representatives of the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association told police they became concerned when they discovered the group’s account had gone from about $19,504 in July to $19 in February.

The complaint states, while some payments from the account were for expenses typical for the baseball association, which has spring and fall seasons, the timing for some was questionable.

The case against Smith is pending in Brooke County Magistrate Court. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 7.

Justin Lendon, who served as vice president under Smith, was called for comment on the association’s status.

Lendon said Smith has stepped down as president and the group soon will name a new slate of officers.

He said the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association hopes to move forward for the spring season, set to begin on April 26, with help from the public.

“We’re asking the community to come together at this time of struggle for us,” said Lendon.