NJ couple stole $91K from youth soccer club to pay for Disney trip, other splurges: police
A New Jersey couple was arrested after allegedly stealing more than $91,000 from a youth soccer league to fund their splurges, including a trip to Disney World, police said.
Joseph Murawski, a former field director for the Old Bridge Soccer League, and his wife, Kathleen, were booked Monday for making a series of unauthorized withdrawals from the organization’s accounts for personal purchases.
After being alerted by the league about the missing funds, police said a six-month investigation revealed that the Murawskis took the money to lavish their own family with gifts.
“It was determined that the couple made unauthorized withdrawals of money from the league’s accounts to fund personal purchases, including, but not limited to, expenses related to a trip to Walt Disney World and other travel, an extravagant party for their child, Amazon purchases and utility bills for their home,” Old Bridge police said in a statement.
The couple, who have since moved to Manalapan, was charged with theft of movable property over $75,000, conspiracy to commit theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.
The duo was taken to the Middlesex County Correction Center. A representative for the Murawskis could not be immediately reached for comment.
The Old Bridge Soccer League did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
The league touts itself as a nonprofit dedicated to spreading a love of soccer to the youth of Old Bridge. It houses multiple fields off Ticetown Road.
The case is reminiscent of a 2016 incident in nearby Freehold Township, where Anthony Gallo pleaded guilty to stealing more than $400,000 while serving as a treasurer for his volunteer youth soccer league.
Gallo admitted to stealing the money between 2012 and 2016 and using the cash to pay personal expenses.
