Police: Barry Stole Over $7,800
Described as “a very nice guy,” Richard Barry, 44, of Seaford, was arrested last week after officials at the Levittown-Seaford-Wantagh Athletic Association reported money missing from its bank account.
According to police, Barry illegally transferred funds twice from the LSW bank account to his own mortgage account to pay a loan in October 2009. JP Morgan Chase, where Barry had his account, reimbursed the league the over $7,800 they were owed, police said. He was arrested on March 4.
One anonymous person, who knows Barry, says Barry was working at the league, managing their operations to a degree. The person said Barry was out of work and the league employed him as a general manager.
“He was literally managing their operations,” the person said. “I think they were trying to help him out. He was pretty much stationed there. He would answer your questions, you could register your kids.”
LSW, which offers baseball, football, softball and flag football teams to the community, is feeling the effects of not only an alleged crime but from a trusted member of their team.
“He’s a very bright guy, very nice guy, very personable,” said Kevin Regan, executive director of the Levittown/Island Trees Youth Council, of which LSW is a member. “It was just tempting for him.”
Obviously upset by the unfortunate situation, LSW President Dino Danetti told the Levittown Tribune, “Recently during a review of our records, discrepancies were discovered and forwarded to the police. It’s an ongoing investigation and I cannot comment any further.”
Regan summed up what Danetti tried to express to the Tribune.
“It’s a shame,” Regan said. “He is a very nice guy and got caught up in the economic times, I guess he’s in bad shape financially.”
Barry is charged with Grand Larceny 3rd Degree and was arraigned at the First District Court in Hempstead on March 5.
