but claimed he had already paid back most of the money and said he did not know about the missed court hearing until it was too late. He said he planned to turn himself in for the bench warrant the next morning.

In the meantime, the program has been fundraising to offset the loss.

 At this point, we've done a lot of fundraising to try to raise the money back. We've raised some of it back, not all of it of course,  Yoh said.

Program leaders say they hope the case sends a message.

 Don't steal from kids, don't steal from programs, be honest, show integrity,  Johnston said.

Parent and Football Secretary Amanda Providakes says she wants the community to trust the program again.

 I just want people to get faith in the meteors again, we do everything for these kids, we pour our blood and soul into these kids,  Providakes said.

 Were trying to set an example that you don't steal from nonprofit youth organizations. And the Westland Youth Athletic Association, along with the Westland meteors ,are trying to make the buck stop here,  Yoh said.

You can learn more about the Meteors by visiting their website https://www.westlandmeteors.org/.

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