FRUITLAND, Idaho -- A former youth wrestling coach in Fruitland is accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from the team's account.
Thirty-year-old Cory Farrow was arrested this month nearly two years after he allegedly began spending the money.
Farrow was the only person on the volunteer wrestling group that had access to the team's debit card.
And officers say he admitted to using it for personal reasons.
Sam Eckhart took over as coach for the popular Grizzly Freestyle Youth Wrestling Club this year.
When he looked at the books, he learned the non-profit's account was empty.
"Disappointed. Shocked," said Eckhart.
According to the wrestling club's leadership, only former coach Cory Farrow had access to the money. By their estimate, Farrow spent all of the nearly $7,800.
Fruitland Police arrested him last month. In interviews, he admitted to spending it on restaurants, gas, and fixing his personal car, to name a few.
"I think he's truly sorry for what happened. Just a bad judgment call, still a good guy," said Eckhart.
Most of the money in the account was to help children who otherwise couldn't afford to be in the club.
It paid for shoes, equipment, gas to and from competitions, even tournament entry fees.
With the fund drained, the club can't help any kids this year.
"We were self-sufficient. We were to a point where we could do what we needed to do help these families and other wrestlers but we're starting over. I think the club will make it, it will be a lot harder. Take a long time to get where we were," said Eckhart.
Besides donations, the team's treasurer says it took car washes and door-to-door visits to fill the wrestling club's account.
"When it comes down to it, it's really heartbreaking that the children did all that work for that and their money is gone. It's not our money, it's their money," said club treasurer Lorrie Cudaback.
According to police Farrow was remorseful, planned to pay the money back, and agreed to write an apology letter.
"Apology means a lot but I mean the damage is done, we have to start over," Eckhart said.
Tuesday, no one answered the door at Farrow’s last known address.
His attorney did not return a call for comment.
Farrow has bonded out of the Payette County Jail.
He's facing a felony count of grand theft, and will be back in court next month.
The wrestling club is trying to raise money.
It has an account set up at the Zions Bank in Fruitland.
