The former President of the Lake Worth Athletic Booster Club, Joey Wilcoxson, was arrested by Lake Worth Police Department Detectives today following a two-month investigation into financial mismanagement spanning from 2021 to 2023. Wilcoxson, 41, faces one count of felony theft and is currently held at the Lake Worth Jail on a $25,000 bond.
The investigation stemmed from an audit conducted in January, revealing only $3.35 in the club's account with multiple suspicious withdrawals totaling $12,907.74. Detectives found that Wilcoxson had unlawfully moved funds between the booster club and "Pearl’s Saloon" in Fort Worth, a business where he holds partial ownership. Subsequently, he withdrew the money in cash from a local branch.
During Wilcoxson's tenure, he reportedly declined to provide financial statements to the club’s treasurer, raising suspicions further.
"I am thankful for the work of our officers and detectives on this case and hope that through the effective administration of justice, there is accountability," stated Lake Worth Police Chief J.T. Manoushagian. "Any misappropriation of funds, especially by the leader of a local non-profit, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest possible extent."
The Lake Worth Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this case or other potential crimes to contact detectives at LWCID@lakeworthtx.org or by calling (817) 237-1224.
