Youth baseball coach accused of stealing more than $10,000 from team

MILFORD, Ohio - Parents and coaches of a youth baseball team in Milford are accusing former head coach Dan Bullard of stealing more than $10,000 from the ball club.

The Cincinnati Yankees are a team of 11-year-olds playing in the Southwest Ohio League and are based out of Expressway Park.

Tony Dobrowolski, who has a son on the team, said Bullard has spent about $10,700 on personal expenses. Dobrowolski said the team has two bank accounts, and the statements for both show Bullard spending team dollars on gas for his personal car, tires for his personal car, meals at restaurants and various other expenses.

"This was money that was paid by the players' parents, deposited into team accounts and then spent on various expenditures for personal use," Dobrowolski said.

Dobrowolski said Bullard was also supposed to spend $3,000 from the team's account on a fund raising event and $9,500 for equipment and uniforms, but never did.

Assistant Coach Mike Ayers said Bullard was removed from his role as head coach in early April. Bullard and his son who played on the team were asked to leave the organization.

Ayers said the team has contacted the Clermont County Sheriff's Department to begin an investigation and a police report was filed on April 14, 2011.

"They do say that there has been a felony committed, and they are going to pursue it," Dobrowolski said.

9 News contacted Bullard's lawyer, but he refuesed to comment because of the pending litigation.

Matt Bonnell has been named as the new head coach and says the issue has given the kids an opportunity to learn a valuable lesson.

"Soon after we learned of this, we went on a big win streak, so [the kids] know that when something bad happens to you, you can dig down deep and make some very good positives out of it," Bonnell said.

Dobrowolski said trying to resolve this incident has helped him show the kids the importance of teamwork.

"What we've showed the boys is that in life you are going to run in to obstacles and hurdles, but you can overcome that with teamwork, effort and hardwork," Dobrowolski said.

Ayers said the team has worked hard to raise the money by gathering sponsors and fund raising. Parents have also contributed $800 for each boy on the team.

The coaches have already canceled one trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, and parents are now looking to the community for support.

Information on how to donate is available by visiting www.cincinnatiyankees.com.