NILES - The former president of the Niles Frontliners Club turned himself in to Niles police Friday in connection to a charge of theft of $21,090 from the football boosters group.
James A. Mullen III, 45, 2165 Coates Court, Girard, is expected to appear Monday morning in Niles Municipal Court for arraignment on a felony theft charge.
"If this case moves forward as a felony, it will move to Trumbull County Court," Niles Prosecutor Terry Swauger said.
The Frontliners Club is a booster organization that raises money for the Niles Red Dragon football team.
Mullen resigned as president after the funds were discovered missing from the club bank account.
Swauger said evidence indicates that Mullen wrote six checks payable to cash and made three electronic transfers between May 31 and July 23. Full restitution has since been made, according to a police report.
"I understand a check was written for the full amount," Swauger said. "The check cleared Thursday."
"The return of the money could be a mitigating factor during sentencing," he said.
Mullen has been replaced on the boosters club by Joseph Matig, Frontliners former vice president. Scott Peden replaced Matig as the vice president.
A news release issued by the Frontliners stated the organization has implemented new safeguards.
Niles police were contacted by Frontliners Club attorney Pat Parry on Aug. 31, who reported the theft.
Efforts to reach Mullen for comment were not successful.