GENESEE COUNTY, NY - Another baseball program hit by scandal was playing ball this weekend. The Oakfield-Alabama Little League isn't letting the controversy keep kids off the field.
For 50 years, Little League Baseball has been a springtime tradition in Oakfield. This year, the weeks leading up to opening day were tough on the Oakfield-Alabama Little League.
Eric Klotzbach, Little League President, "We were given reports every month that were falsified and we've made some changes obviously to make sure that that doesn't happen again."
Earlier this month, the league's former treasurer, 40-year-old Richard Dunlap, was arrested for allegedly stealing 30 thousand dollars from the organization.
Investigators say he used a league bank card to buy Internet child porn, access adult dating services, and take his family on a Disney vacation. Parents want to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Renee Mullenparent, "Because it is a fear. I've heard people say they don't even want to work in the food stand without cameras because they're afraid of accusations but I'm sure they'll come up with a plan."
The league now has a new treasurer and new safeguards.
Laurie Nanni, New Little League Treasurer, "We have a double check on everything we do whether it's a deposit or withdrawal, paying bills, taking in donations."
Local businesses stepped up to the plate after learning of the situation. Their donations helped the league pay some bills, stock the concession stand, and buy new uniforms and equipment. League officials say things would have been very tight without them.
Laurie Nanni, "We were fortunate enough that our local businesses have helped us and we didn't have to worry about that."
The Oakfield Fire Department donated nearly one thousand dollars it collected at its annual Fill the Boot Campaign.
Chief Chad Williams, Oakfield Fire Department, "It's to raise money for our own operating cost but we decided this year due to the unfortunate circumstances that happened that we would donate it to the Oakfield Little League."