**Former Little League President Accused of Embezzling Funds in Las Vegas**
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On July 2, 2023, Steve Rodriguez Prado, a 38-year-old former president of a Little League in Las Vegas, was taken into custody on charges of theft and forgery. The allegations suggest that he misappropriated over $64,000 from the Central Little League of Las Vegas, raising serious concerns about financial governance within community sporting organisations.
Prado’s purported misconduct reportedly occurred over a four-month period from December 22, 2025, to April 2026. The allegations first came to light after a concerned board member of the Central Little League contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, prompting an investigation into his activities.
The investigation revealed a pattern of suspicious financial dealings, with police claiming that Prado engaged in unauthorised purchases, transfers, and cash withdrawals totalling $64,351.24. Among the troubling transactions were costs incurred at a local strip club, including an extravagant $1,351 bill that featured an $800 bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila and a $50 bucket of Modelo beer.
Additionally, the police report outlined other extravagant expenditures, including nearly $300 spent on erectile dysfunction medication, a plane ticket from Spirit Airlines, a hefty $1,284 at the Bellagio’s Baccara bar, and $258 spent at Caesars Sportsbook. Such spending raised eyebrows and highlighted the extent of the alleged embezzlement.
Further investigation uncovered that Prado had provided the league’s board of directors with bank statements that were later confirmed to have been altered. These discrepancies were substantiated through grand jury subpoenas, indicating a deeper level of deception involved in the case.
The impact of these revelations was immediate and severe for the Central Little League. As a result of the financial malfeasance, the organisation faced the prospect of having to forfeit the remainder of its season. However, a number of local organisations quickly came forward to offer assistance in support of the beleaguered team.
Robert Fleming, the Nevada District 2 administrator, expressed the dismay felt throughout the community in light of the situation. “We were just devastated by the news that the league had had this money embezzled,” he told local news. “The ramifications extend far beyond just the league; everyone involved, from managers to coaches and volunteers, is affected by this betrayal.”
Surprisingly, despite undergoing a national background check, Prado’s past criminal record—with a conviction for robbery in Riverside County, California, in 2012—did not prevent him from securing a position that allowed him access to the league’s funds. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of background checks in preventing individuals with alarming pasts from holding significant roles within community organisations.
The revelations of Prado’s alleged crimes have not only cast a shadow over the Central Little League but have also prompted broader discussions about financial oversight and accountability within youth sports leagues. As investigations continue, the league will be looking to rebuild trust and restore its reputation in the community.
With the ongoing police investigation and potential legal proceedings ahead, the case against Prado underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in organisations that serve not only young athletes but also their families and local communities.
As this story develops, the Central Little League hopes to recover from this setback and ensure that such an incident does not happen again in the future. The impact of Prado’s alleged actions serves as a reminder of the vital role of oversight and vigilance in protecting community resources.