News
Circleville Man Arrested In Youth Baseball Scam
By: Circleville Herald staff reports
Posted on:
Pickaway County officials are investigating the possibility of local victims of a Circleville man arrested in Lancaster Tuesday for allegedly running a youth baseball scam.
Kelly Edward Neal, 40, was charged with one court of forgery by the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau has been investigating a series of complaints from businesses and residents who reported they have been solicited for donations for a traveling baseball team by Neal.
Upon investigating these complaints, Neal is suspected of using a forged Bloom-Carroll Youth Athletics (BCYA) sponsorship form on behalf of the Fairfield County Bulldogs traveling baseball teams without their knowledge and permission.
“It is our belief Mr. Neal preyed upon innocent victims in various areas of the county and we are attempting to make sure all victims have been notified of this scam,” stated Lt. Tim Voris.
Robert Radcliff, Pickaway County Sheriff, said Pickaway County detectives are investigating at least 10 reports of individuals and businesses who believe they may have been scammed by Neal, as well.
“If anyone else thinks they might have been victimized by this individual, we urge them to contact Sgt. Bill Crooks or Detective John Strawser, who are assigned to our end of the investigation,” Radcliff said.
The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office detectives can be reached at 740-474-2176.
Neal is currently free after posting 10 percent of a $25,000 surety bond.