Lake Wales, FL — Two former board members of Lake Wales Little League have been arrested following an investigation into suspected fraudulent activity within the organization’s accounts.
According to the Lake Wales Police Department, on May 30, 2025, board members reported concerns about potential financial misconduct. Detectives conducted an extensive review of financial records and determined that Stephanie Witt and Alicia Bird had systematically used Lake Wales Little League bank cards to obtain personal goods and services.
Investigators say that between November 22, 2021 and December 18, 2024, Witt used the organization’s bank cards for personal purchases totaling $6,670.97. Between May 21, 2022 and February 10, 2025, Bird used the league’s bank cards for personal goods and services totaling $2,598.79.
Both Witt and Bird were arrested and charged with Grand Theft and Scheme to Defraud. The case remains an active investigation.
State corporate filings provide additional context regarding leadership roles within the organization during the timeframe in question. According to Florida Division of Corporations records, Alicia Bird was listed as Treasurer in filings dating back to at least March 17, 2021. In the most recent annual report filed January 16, 2025, Stephanie Witt was listed as President of Lake Wales Little League, with Alicia Bird continuing to serve as Treasurer at that time.
In response to the arrests and the transition in leadership, newly appointed Lake Wales Little League President Maranda Hicks issued the following statement:
“I learned from a wise soul that being a part of a Board means that your duty is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. On behalf of the newly appointed Board of Directors, I am honored to announce a new chapter defined by accountability, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to the youth and families we serve. Our Board stands fully prepared to lead with transparency, disciplined governance, and an unwavering child first focus in alignment with the standards of Little League Baseball and Softball. We are resolute in giving back to the Lake Wales community through principled leadership, responsible stewardship, and meaningful opportunities for our children to thrive in a safe environment defined by teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.”
Hicks said the newly appointed Board of Directors is committed to restoring trust and ensuring strong financial oversight moving forward. “Our board meetings are open to the public.” said Hicks. The meetings are recorded and they hope to have them available for the community on their website in the near future. Anyone wanting to know more about the current program can follow them on Facebook or on The Lake Wales Little League website.
Since the appointment of a new of a new board, Lake Wales Little League has entered a renewed phase marked by hands-on leadership and visible progress throughout the park. From coordinated volunteer workdays to facility upgrades such as improvements to the batting cage turf, board members and coaches have taken an active role in strengthening both operations and player experience. Families have responded with strong support, signaling a shared commitment to stability, accountability, and a child-focused vision centered on teamwork, discipline, and community pride.
Th Lake Wales Little League is a non governmental organization, but gets a grant from the city to maintain the complex. The current agreement has been in place since 2012 (according to available information) and is approximately $60,000 of tax payers funds are provided to the organization.
Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 or remain anonymous by contacting Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1 800 226 TIPS.
