Little League ex-treasurer accused of stealing money

The arrest Wednesday of a former Little League treasurer accused of embezzling more than $8,000 won’t keep kids from playing baseball this summer, according to a league official.

Tanya Garvin Howard, 35, of Waldon Jones Road on Johns Island, is charged with breach of trust. Investigators said she siphoned off $8,360.80 from the Lowcountry Little League during the two years she was a volunteer treasurer.

“You find ways to go on,” Little League District Administrator Bill Edmonds said. “Kids will still be playing baseball come spring.”

The league is based on Johns Island and involved about 125 children last year. The league spends money on uniforms, lights for night games and field maintenance. An insurance claim will be filed to try to recoup at least some of the money, Edmonds said.

The discrepancies came to light after Howard announced she was quitting in September and the financial records were examined, according to an incident report from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

Numerous deposits were less than funds collected, some deposits were not made at all, and several withdrawals were made without authorization, according to the complaint.

The Lowcountry Little League changed its name to the Barrier Islands Little League Baseball last month, largely as a result of the scandal, Edmonds said.

An arrest warrant for Howard was issued Monday. She surrendered to deputies Wednesday and was booked into the Charleston County jail.

Magistrate Alvin Bligen set a $10,000 personal recognizance bond Wednesday night so Howard could be released. She told the judge she is married and has children.