A possible theft of funds from a nearly 50-year-old youth sports organization is being investigated in Kettering.

“The First Kettering Athletic League filed a report about missing money. We do have a suspect, but no one has been charged or is in custody,” said Ron Roberts, public information officer for the Kettering Police Department.

Established in 1964, FKAL is a non-profit organization that organizes leagues in several age-group sports. Along with fees paid by participants and sponsors, it accepts contributions as a registered charitable organization.

According to the police report, the money was taken between June 1, 2008 and July 12, 2012.

Board trustee David Ziegler of Kettering, who contacted police along with FKAL board president Robert Young, would not say how much money is missing, or whether the theft took place over an extended period.

“Nothing has been resolved. We’ve been advised not to comment at this point. We may know more at a later date,” he said.

Ziegler said the league is financially healthy. “We have a solid foundation. There are no issues regarding our viability because of this. We’re moving ahead to have great spring-summer seasons of baseball and softball, with football this fall.”

FKAL is signing up players for baseball and softball. Player evaluations will be done March 30 at the city of Kettering’s Irelan Park, 4532 Marshall Road, where league games are played.

A September 2012 Dayton Daily News report about increased scrutiny from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, listed several instances of sports, booster and PTO fund embezzlement around the state.

In December, the treasurer of the Springboro/Clearcreek Twp. Soccer Association in Warren County pleaded guilty to stealing up to $64,800 from the youth organization between 2008 and 2012.

The crime has become so common that many insurers now offer youth sports crime, theft and embezzlement coverage.