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An investigation into the West Valley Junior Eagles youth football organization has resulted in the arrest of its former president, Anthony Aitken, and his wife Amalia “Mollie” Aitken on charges of embezzlement, grand theft, and theft by use of an access card.
The investigation was initiated by deputies from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, South County Station, in February 2022. At that time, a leadership change was occurring within the organization, and Anthony Aitken was stepping down from his position. However, during this transition period, Anthony refused to provide the new board members with the financial information for the organization.
After the new board members were forced to circumvent Anthony, they discovered several suspicious transactions in the financial records. Deputies then obtained search warrants to obtain copies of the organization’s financial records and the suspects’ financial records. It was discovered that Anthony and Amalia had used funds from the organization to make payments for a personal bankruptcy and made numerous unapproved cash withdrawals. During the examination of the financial records and further investigation, deputies located over $25,000 worth of unauthorized expenditures.
As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued for both Anthony and Amalia. On February 28th, deputies contacted and arrested Amalia at her residence without incident. When Amalia was arrested, deputies learned that Anthony was out of town. Deputies made contact with Anthony, advised him of the investigation and his wife’s arrest. Anthony has stated that he will turn himself in to the Shasta County Jail when he returns to the area.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact them at 530-245-6000. The embezzlement of funds from a youth sports organization is a serious offense and can have a significant impact on the organization’s ability to operate and provide services to young athletes. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is committed to investigating these types of crimes and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
