Kids softball league missing money

A nonprofit youth softball league based in Campton Hills has asked police to investigate the disappearance of an undetermined sum.

The money was noticed missing in August from Wasco Girls Fastpitch Softball League coffers, confirmed president Sue Sobieski, who reported the possible theft to the Kane County Sheriff's Department Tuesday.

Sobieski said league organizers spent about two months reviewing financial records to make sure the missing funds were a "legitimate concern" and not the result of a clerical error.

"It's not something we want to throw out there lightly," she said of notifying police. "You just want to make sure you do what's right."

League accountants have yet to determine exactly how much money disappeared, Sobieski said, declining to speculate on the amount.

Kane County Sheriff's Lt. Pat Gengler said Friday the report would be investigated by St. Charles police because the alleged crime might have been committed there.

St. Charles police Sgt. Steve Huffman said he expected to receive the report Friday or early next week.

The softball league is run primarily by volunteers who serve on a board of directors and have various leadership duties, Sobieski said.

It relies mostly on participation fees from about 265 girls a year, which adds up to between $39,000 and $46,000 annually.

"It's just a bunch of little girls that want to play softball," Sobieski said. "Unfortunately, sometimes you've got to trust somebody."

The group previously had a volunteer treasurer, but Sobieski would not name the person. The league's Web site Friday listed the post as "vacant."

Sobieski was unsure sure if the league has insurance to protect it from financial theft. The organization is in its 20th year, she said.

No charges have been filed.