Former Little League president arrested for theft from organization

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - The former president of the South Lake Charles Little League is accused of stealing money from the organization.

All that was left in the South Lake Charles Little League bank account was $72 when the new president took over, according to Commander Gene Pittman, with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“The season did not operate and there should have been approximately $70,000 in the bank at the end of that, and it appears that there was $72 left at the end of that time,” Pittman said.

Jason Hungerford, 42, was arrested June 30 on a warrant for theft of over $25,000. His bond was set at $15,000 and has since bonded out, according to Pittman.

Pittman said the sheriff’s office started investigating in May of 2020 when a new president took over the South Lake Charles Little League.

Pittman said there were receipts for restaurants and hotels that had nothing to do with the league.

Hungerford misappropriated or stole approximately $105,000, according to Pittman.

“Some of that was in cash payments to himself - writing a check to himself or writing a check to cash,” Pittman said. “Some of that from ATM withdrawals with nothing really to back it up with any substance of where the money was spent.”

Hungerford said he would have to talk to his attorney before commenting.

An attorney for the South Lake Charles Little League released the following:

“Since this is an ongoing investigation, the South Lake Charles Little League cannot comment on the matter involving its former President, Jason Hungerford. The South Lake Charles Little League is cooperating fully with the investigation and continues to assist all law enforcement in their efforts.”

This is an ongoing investigation and KPLC will have more information as it becomes available.

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