Highlands County Youth Football Coach Charged with Stealing $57K from Team

Credit: Highlands County Sheriff's Office

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published May 29th, 2025

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL – A long-time youth football coach, 56-year-old Ivory Bernard Williams of Lake Placid, has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $57,000 from the Highlands County Chargers' funds for his personal use. Williams was taken into custody on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

The investigation into Williams' financial activities began in February after the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit received tips regarding irregularities in the team's finances. Detective Chad Douberley spearheaded the inquiry.

According to investigators, Williams, who served as president of the Highlands County Chargers board and was the sole individual with access to the team's bank account, allegedly refused to provide financial records when requested by the board.

An examination of the team’s TD Bank account revealed a concerning financial picture. Despite deposits totaling $53,875.01, the account was found to be overdrawn by more than $1,500. A subsequent deposit of $800 in December 2023 only reduced the negative balance to $700.25 before TD Bank closed the account in January 2024 and sent the outstanding amount to collections.

Following the closure of the TD Bank account, a new account was opened at Heartland National Bank in February 2024, into which $36,119.83 was deposited.

However, a detailed review of transactions from both accounts allegedly uncovered numerous instances of Williams using the team's money for personal expenses. Investigators report payments made for streaming and gaming services, cable and internet bills, and purchases from the TikTok shop. Furthermore, records reportedly show Williams wrote a $3,600 check to himself and made $21,541.36 in ATM withdrawals.

The investigation determined that from February 2022 to February 2025, the team had collected a total of $89,994.84 in donations. Of that amount, Williams is accused of misappropriating $57,014.13.

Adding to the team's difficulties, the Highlands County Chargers lost its non-profit status during Williams' tenure. In December 2024, the organization had to file for a new non-profit status under the name Highlands County Chargers Football and Cheer.

Williams faces charges of second-degree grand theft and failure to maintain records of a charitable organization. He was released on Wednesday, May 28, after posting a $70,000 bond.

Detective Douberley is continuing to investigate other organizations with which Williams may have been previously affiliated. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Douberley at cdouberley@highlandssheriff.org or by calling 863-402-7840.

It is important to note that not all arrests result in convictions, and everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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