Accused NWE Little League Treasurer Pleads Not Guilty To Fraud, Grand Theft

April 28, 2023

The former treasurer of the Northwest Escambia Little League has pleaded not guilty.

Paula Star Pugh, 48, was charged with grand theft $10,000 to $20,000 and fraud under $20,000. Both charges are third degree felonies. She was released on a $2,500 bond 22 minutes after surrendering at the Escambia County Jail on April 17.

A not guilty plea and a waiver of appearance at a scheduled May 12 arraignment was filed this week on Pugh’s behalf by her attorneys.

White was accused of fraudulent transactions using the NWE  bank account totalling $16, 977.87.

According to a warrant affidavit, the transactions included numerous cash ATM withdrawals from an Atmore bank; purchases from Shell Oil and Papa John’s Pizza in Tampa, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Home Goods Online; and eight checks payable to “cash” that were signed by Pugh totaling $9,226. The transactions are detailed in the image below.

RELATED STORY: NWE Little League Treasurer Charged With Grand Theft, Fraud

Editor’s note: Northwest Escambia Little League is not affiliated with Northwest Escambia (NWE) Football & Cheer at Bradberry Park.

Comments

7 Responses to “Accused NWE Little League Treasurer Pleads Not Guilty To Fraud, Grand Theft”

  1. David Huie Green on April 28th, 2023 6:54 pm

    REGARDING:
    “You realize its up to the state to prove guilty right?”

    Two separate questions. Avoiding punishment is well and good.

    Keeping — or restoring — a good name and the respect of those who trust you is FAR better.

    David for better people

  2. Jason on April 28th, 2023 2:11 pm

    For those saying you hope she can prove her innocence, You realize its up to the state to prove guilty right?

  3. Tom on April 28th, 2023 11:45 am

    Doesn’t look good at all. Hope she can prove what was purchased with all that money if it was merchandise for park or personal? If it was personal there is no excuse, but if it was made she can prove where she reimbursed the park back those monies. Should be an easy reconcile of a checkbook with receipts if it was being handled correctly????

  4. M M on April 28th, 2023 10:05 am

    Pugh, if you’re pleading not guilty, I hope you are great in record keeping. Be ready to prove what was bought from those checks made out to CASH. Also, did the sports team go to Tampa during your time as Treasurer?? With the amount shown for Pizza in Tampa, that certainly didn’t feed too many players and coaching staff. AND, there are too many ATM transactions.

    I was treasurer at a local sports complex a few years ago. All money going in and going out had to be approved and signed by the President or Vice President. Yeah, that means a second person and witness to cover your A**. There was no such thing as using an ATM.

    Pugh, you have too much freedom using the money at NWE.

  5. Bill T on April 28th, 2023 9:16 am

    She seems pretty confident she didn’t steal anything !! But I looked at what was printed and I tend to think otherwise!!!!!!!

  6. lee williams on April 28th, 2023 8:56 am

    It appears that there is evidence…

  7. News Flash on April 28th, 2023 7:48 am

    Innocent until proven guilty