Ohio authorities take allegations of criminal activity very seriously. In one recent case that may interest readers, an Ohio man is now facing criminal prosecution for alleged theft. The youth football commissioner, however, has maintained his innocence.

Until last year, the man was a youth football league commissioner for the Medina Bees Youth Football Association in Medina, Ohio. However, the Northeast Ohio Youth Football League dismissed that organization in May 2011 due to financial issues. Reportedly, the financial issues stemmed from alleged thefts of cash and forged checks that occurred between January 2005 and December 2010. Authorities claim the thefts involved a total of more than $7,500 but less than $150,000 from the Medina Bees.

On Jan. 26, Medina police arrested the 47-year-old man in connection with these thefts. Police subsequently charged him with the felony crimes of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, grand theft and forgery. However, he was released shortly thereafter on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. He also pleaded not guilty at his arraignment hearing on Jan. 30.

Facing charges such as theft and forgery can be very overwhelming. You be facing serious penalties, including jail time. In addition to legal penalties, a person in this situation can also be facing intense public scrutiny, making him or her feel ostracized or outcast. However, it is important to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Being accused of a crime is not the same as being convicted; strong defenses can be built to challenge criminal charges.

Source: Sun News, "Medina youth football commissioner faces May trial," Jake Poole, Feb. 1, 2012