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NEW CUMBERLAND - A man accused of embezzling more than $11,000 from a local youth athletic organization waived his time for a preliminary hearing in Hancock County Magistrate Court Wednesday.
David Andrew Brown, of Chester, appeared with his attorney Kevin Pearl before Magistrate Steve Svokas Wednesday morning, requesting the time be waived as well as asking for a continuance.
Brown is next set to appear in Magistrate Court at 11 a.m., Sept. 3.
Hancock County Prosecutor Steve Dragisich, following the hearing, explained, under state law, an individual arrested typically has up to 20 days, from the time they are charged, to appear in magistrate court.
"He usually has 20 days from the time he is charged to have what is called a preliminary hearing for the magistrate to determine whether there is probable cause to go forward to the Hancock County Circuit Court and presentment to the Hancock County grand jury," Dragisich said. "We’ll know more on Sept. 3 if he wants to go forward with a preliminary hearing, we will present our evidence at that time."
Brown, 54, was arrested July 28, according to court records, accused of embezzling more than $11,000 from the Oak Glen Junior Bears Baseball and Softball Association, where he had been serving as its treasurer. He faces one felony count of embezzlement.
Brown previously posted a $20,000 bond.
Hancock County Sheriff’s Department Detective was approached by members of the youth association in June with suspicions of what they thought were abnormal practices in the organization’s financial records.
According to Little’s investigation, Brown allegedly used funds from the association to pay for a personal power bill, purchase three money orders through the U.S. Postal Service, purchase personal items through the association’s accounts for Amazon, Sam’s Club, and Walmart, as well as the use of cash provided by members to cover registration and concessions.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)