Cheerleading Coach Charged with Embezzlement

In San Francisco, a cheerleading coach from the state's University has pled not guilty to charges of theft. Police say that the coach still almost $20,000 from the San Francisco State University's cheerleading club.

Prosecutors formally charged 23-year-old Ashlee Nicole Haley with 12 counts of grand theft, 16 counts of obtaining money by false pretenses and one count of felony embezzlement.

As the coach of the cheerleading squad, Haley handled the team's finances and worked with 20 cheerleaders on the squad.  Police report that Haley collected money from the cheerleaders for their uniforms, training camps and related costs. 

Instead of using the money as she was supposed to, prosecutors say that she used the money to buy airline tickets, pay her rent and purchase personal items.  Several cheerleaders came forward to authorities who later charged Haley.

Were you charged with a white collar crime, such as embezzlement?  If so, it is a wise idea to hire a criminal defense attorney!