A former president of the Central Little League in Las Vegas is facing theft and forgery charges after allegedly embezzling more than $64,000 from the youth sports organization. Steve Rodriquez Prado, 38, was arrested on Thursday, according to an arrest report cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Las Vegas police were contacted by the league in March regarding concerns about missing funds. Investigators allege that between January and March, Prado used league money for a variety of personal expenses. These reportedly include over $1,300 spent at a strip club on January 20, involving a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila and other items. The league’s funds were also allegedly used at Bellagio’s Baccarat Bar for transactions totaling $1,284 on February 9, and at Caesars sportsbook on Valentine’s Day for five transactions amounting to $258.
Further allegations include the purchase of $294 worth of BlueChew, an erectile dysfunction medication, which police noted is not intended for juvenile consumption. Prado also allegedly made over 70 transactions for ride-sharing services, food delivery, and electric vehicle charging, along with payments to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, Geico Insurance, a video game platform, and Spirit Airlines.
In addition to the alleged spending, police accused Prado of attempting to mislead the league’s board by submitting altered bank statements before his term as president concluded. Grand jury subpoenas later confirmed the statements had been modified. Prado reportedly told investigators the accusations were "blown out of proportion" before declining to answer further questions.
Public records indicate Prado has prior convictions in California from 2012 for robbery, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy to commit robbery.