Clermont County couple indicted for alleged theft from youth sports organization
Angela Lawson, 38, and David Linz, 35, of Clermont County were indicted April 4 for their alleged roles in a theft from a West Clermont youth sports organization.
A Clermont County grand jury returned an indictment on Lawson and Linz on the following charges: one count of telecommunications fraud, a felony of the fourth degree; and one count of theft, a felony of the fifth degree.
On Aug. 25, 2023, a representative of a West Clermont youth sports organization reported multiple unauthorized withdrawals from their account to the Sheriff’s Office. In response, the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit immediately launched an investigation into the allegations. Lawson allegedly volunteered as a cheerleading coach and one of the treasurers overseeing the account.
Following an examination of bank records, detectives from the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office pursued leads that uncovered a series of questionable withdrawals initiated through a payment app, dating back to May 2023. Throughout the investigation, Lawson allegedly acknowledged the suspicious nature of the withdrawals but initially denied any involvement. Despite providing several allegedly conflicting accounts, Lawson allegedly admitted to using the cash up to transfer $500 from the account to assist a family member in “an emergency.” She continued to deny any knowledge or involvement with the other transactions.
Further review of the cash app and bank records verified the funds from the youth organization account were transferred to a cash app account jointly owned by Lawson and her boyfriend, Linz. Subsequently, Lawson and Linz allegedly transferred the funds to their shared banking account, making multiple transactions totaling over $2,000. These transactions were all made online using the cash app and other online banking applications.
After being confronted about the unauthorized transactions, Lawson resigned as a cheerleading coach and account treasurer. Linz refused to cooperate, refusing to provide a statement or any information to detectives.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
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