Couple accused in theft of $800

MASSENA — The former president and concession stand manager for Louisville Minor Baseball both were charged with four felony counts after they allegedly used association funds to buy approximately $800 worth of items for themselves.

State police charged Harold J. Hosler Jr., 30, of 1574 County Route 55, Brasher Falls, with four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. Nicole S. Vodron, 31, same address, was charged with four counts of second-degree forgery.

Mr. Hosler and Ms. Vodron were arraigned by Massena Town Justice Jerry P. Sharlow and sent to St. Lawrence County jail, Canton, with bail for each set at $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond.

Troopers allege Ms. Vodron wrote checks on the league account for $86 at Walmart on April 24, $119.50 at Walmart on May 27, $85.17 at Walmart on May 29 and $271.57 at BJ's on May 13. Troopers allege Mr. Hosler was in possession of those checks on those dates.

Tracy L. Lamica became treasurer for Louisville Minor Baseball in May and told police she immediately noticed a lot of money had been going out for concessions but no money was coming back in.

Mr. Hosler had taken over as the league's president in April, and Ms. Vodron, described in court papers as his girlfriend, was running the concession stand.

The review of several checks written in April and May reportedly showed cases where the name on checks had been crossed out and changed — including a check with MVP Sports crossed out and Walmart substituted. Another check, written for $260.50, reportedly had Louisville Minor Hockey crossed out and Mr. Hosler's name substituted. League officials said one Walmart purchase included Pampers, Huggies and a computer mouse.

Larry A. Dowdy, who was league treasurer for approximately three years before Ms. Lamica took over, said all the checks he reviewed that had been changed had been given to Mr. Hosler.

"I never crossed out any of the checks. I never gave Harold or Nikki permission to spend money for gas," he said, referring to a check for $56.05 cashed at Kanienkehaka Gas.

Mr. Dowdy said that in past years, the league had spent only $200 to $300 for concession supplies for an entire season.

State police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Investigator Andrew S. Gayeskie said Mr. Hosler is no longer league president.

He said Mr. Hosler and Ms. Vodron will face charges for checks cashed in Franklin County, but the total amount lost is not expected to exceed $800.