SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The former treasurer of two South Fayette youth sports leagues is accused of improperly spending over $100,000 worth of league funding, much of it for personal use.
Lisa Howrylchak faces criminal charges including theft, forgery, and fraud.
Those charges were filed Tuesday.
Court filings show Howrylchak served as Treasurer for the South Fayette Youth Lacrosse Association and the South Fayette Baseball and Softball Association from 2021 until being removed from her positions in May 2023.
“It’s horrific, I mean, these kids are just trying to better themselves and doing things that they love and the parents, a lot of hard earned money goes towards this for their kids to enjoy what they do, that’s horrible,” said Jesse Pomerico, the father of a South Fayette baseball player.
According to investigators, Howrylchak made 81 unauthorized transactions, totaling $39,000, as the Lacrosse Association’s Treasurer and at least 68, totaling $77,000, as the Baseball and Softball Association’s Treasurer.
Court filings accuse Howrylchak of using the money for her kids’ hockey payments, kenneling for her dogs, car and mortgage payments, and much more.
Investigators say she forged and falsified financial statements to both league boards to try to cover her spending, before admitting to the crimes.
“Do I want her to go to prison for life? No, but she definitely need to learn a lesson and set an example that this shouldn’t happen anywhere,” said Pomerico.
In a statement to Channel 11, the Township said in part, “No taxpayer money was involved in this incident. No township officials or staff were involved in the alleged financial improprieties. ... The township is collaborating with the groups to ensure additional financial and accounting measures are in place for the future.”
The Lacrosse Association sent a letter to parents Tuesday, which reads in part, “While our trust was violated, and there have been many lessons learned through this process, the Association has been implementing stricter financial oversight and controls, and we see a clear path forward to re-establish the previous financial position of SFYLA.”
Howrylchak told investigators she was keeping track of her spending and planned to pay it all back.
Channel 11 also reached out to the Baseball and Softball Association for comment, but did not hear back.
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