by Charles Webster, MCPO
FREEHOLD – The former treasurer of the Freehold Soccer League was sentenced to six years in a New Jersey state prison for stealing more than $400,000 from the volunteer organization between 2012 and 2016, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Anthony Gallo, 57, of Freehold Township, was sentenced Friday by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr. after pleading guilty in November to second degree Theft. Gallo must pay $280,000 in restitution.
Gallo was charged last year following an investigation that began in March 2016, after the Office’s Financial Crimes Unit received a referral from the president of the league. The president made the referral after he learned that bills for uniforms were not paid and discovered funds were missing from the league bank accounts.
In November, Gallo admitted he stole more than $400,000 from the league between 2012 and 2016 while serving as the volunteer treasurer for the organization. As treasurer, Gallo had access to the league’s operating account and wrote checks to himself, his company Beacon Financial Services, and cash totaling over $300,000. He also made numerous unauthorized ATM withdrawals from the league’s account and used league funds to pay personal expenses. Before being charged, Gallo paid back more than $119,000 into league accounts in an effort to prevent his crime from being detected.
The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen.
