Girard man pleads guilty to stealing from football organization

WARREN — Michael D. Simpson Jr., past president of the Girard Little Indians football organization, pleaded guilty to reduced charges and paid $5,000 in restitution for stealing money from the organization.

Simpson, 34, of Crumlin Avenue, Girard, pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor theft charge in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. He could get up to six months in jail when he is sentenced in four to six weeks by Judge John M. Stuard.

The additional amount Simpson needs to pay back will be determined by the county's adult probation department. Court records indicated that the theft was $11,975.

Simpson admitted to making unauthorized withdrawals for his personal use when confronted by police officers in May.

Organization officials told police that an audit revealed that Simpson made withdrawals beginning in 2009 and ending March 24, 2010.