Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Deal reached in Neosho Youth Football embezzlement case


The trial of former Neosho Youth Football president Stewart Pace on stealing charges, originally scheduled to begin one week from today, has been canceled and some sort of agreement has been reached according to documents filed in Newton County Circuit Court.

The deal was reached nearly three years after the felony charges were filed against Pace, who is accused of stealing at least $15,000 from the organization.







Motions to strike the trial date were filed by Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch and by attorney Jared Stilley, who is representing Pace.

In his motion, Lynch says, "parties have agreed to settle the case without trial."

No details of the deal were included in in Lynch's motion or in Stilley's.

The court docket indicates the case will be resolved during a 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 hearing.







The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed the felony charge against Pace after he admitted to Newton County Sheriff's Office investigators that he took the money from the youth organization.

From the probable cause statement:

"I then interviewed Stewart Pace. I read Stewart his Miranda rights and he stated that he understood those rights. Stewart stated that he was out of work for a while and started using the football league's money to pay bills, fix his truck and it 'Just got out of hand.' "

12 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:36 AM

    It's not a felony if the criminal has spent all the money and needs to get on with his life!

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  2. Anonymous10:03 AM

    CASENET shows: Pretrial Conference now scheduled for April 9 2025.

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  3. Anonymous11:53 AM

    Stealing, Embezzlement, and Fraud - are all Crimes - We have got to STOP making Deals and being SOFT on Criminals.

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  4. Anonymous12:47 PM

    PA Lynch is a joke. Wheeler dealer on some things, blind on others.

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  5. Anonymous12:49 PM

    Just tattoo "THIEF" on his forehead and all will be forgiven. It's time to bring back shame!

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  6. Anonymous1:22 PM

    I don’t know the details, but you have a better prosecutor than your neighboring county. I trust him. The chance of sending a first time offender to prison is slim. I’m guessing there’s some restitution going on.

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  7. Anonymous2:30 PM

    I'm guessing NYF is avoiding embarrassing former members. Seems like past members used funds outside of the intended scope.

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  8. Anonymous6:19 PM

    If only it was public the level of deception this FAMILY went to cover what was occurring. also many should find it VERY concerning that not one board member minus this thief and his wife were removed or replaced. NEOSHO should be demanding better. Maybe a few more people should be looking at who is still on this so called "board" maybe that is the reason that this deal was reached?

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  9. Melvin Frohike11:23 AM

    Downstream Casino much?

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  10. Anonymous4:18 PM

    I just Love Stewart Pace's Excuses - I was out of Work and my Truck needed Fixed - So, I thought I would STEAL - $15,000 of a Non-Profits Money - - NO EXECUSE FOR WHAT HE DID... He and Others Locally that have gotten caught Stealing from Non-Profits they were in - should have all done at least 90-Days in Jail - Plus Restitution - What is it going to take for these LAZY AZZ - Prosecutors to do your JOBS - - Stop being Soft on Criminals...

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  11. Anonymous6:00 PM

    Dies every 501c3 have registered agent?
    Wonder what business address is listed on the state filing or the IRS paperwork
    See it yet Shame on you newton county prosecutor to think we elect you even without a spine

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