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Pentucket Youth Football Treasurer Accused Of Stealing From Group

PENTUCKET (CBS) -- The treasurer of a youth football league north of Boston is accused of taking thousands of dollars from the group's coffers.

James Potenza was in court Thursday and told the judge, "My intention is to clear this whole this up."

WBZ-TV's Diana Perez reports

For nine years starting in 2001 Potenza was the treasurer of the Pentucket Youth Football League and was trusted with its finances. But court documents say instead of spending that money on football equipment, uniforms and referees Potenza allegedly used it for own personal expenses.

"He got himself an unauthorized ATM card; various charges on that ATM card (were) taken out," said Haverhill District Court Prosecutor John Depaulo.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jim Smith reports.

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The first transaction was in 2007. The transactions included almost $3,000 in cash withdrawals, more than $700 for gas and $1,200 for storage.

"This is something that went on for probably a period of five years it involved $60,000 to $80,000," Depaulo told the judge.

Potenza and his attorney Michael Murphy didn't say anything after the proceedings but Nora Baga who was picking up her son outside of the Pentucket High School, where the league practices, says Potenza stole from children. "This is for the kids, something for the kids you're supposed to be honest and upfront and righteous."

A league board member, who called state police after noticing the discrepancies, says Potenza was given every opportunity to come clean but never took it.

Potenza will be back in court in June. He's was instructed by the judge to stay away from anyone affiliated with the Pentucket Youth Football League.

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