Almaguer repaid $14,000, has conditions to probation in Little League theft case

Jennifer Lynn Almaguer had to pay $14,000 in restitution up front on Jan. 9 when she was sentenced to 10 years probation after pleading guilty to embezzlement and misuse of Gonzales Little League organizational funds.

Almaguer also had a number of conditions placed on her probation by 2nd 25th District Jessica Crawford  — terms that, if violated, could see her sent to prison for up to 10 years, Gonzales County First Assistant Attorney David Benning Smith said.

Crawford had ordered a presentence investigation (PSI) for Almaguer in November on charges of theft of property greater than or equal to $30,000 and less than $150,000, a third-degree felony normally punishable by two to 10 years in prison an up to a $10,000 fine.

A PSI is ordered in a felony case in Texas when a judge is expected to impose sentence and often happens when a defendant wishes to plead guilty and then seeks leniency or mercy from the court in assessing punishment. Almaguer pled guilty on Nov. 8.

Conditions imposed upon Alamguer include requiring her to repay the remaining $51,000 in restitution in payments to the Gonzales Little League (for a total of $65,000 in restitution); reporting to the Adult Probation Department monthly in person; completing a Theft Awareness program; writing a letter of apology to the Gonzales Little League; and completing the “Commitment to Change” Overcoming Errors in Thinking Program.

As a convicted felon, she will no longer be able to vote or possess a firearm.

“This was the best resolution for this case. It brings accountability to the defendant for her actions and provides an enforceable way for her to pay back what she stole to the Little League,” County Attorney Paul Watkins said.

On May 6, 2021, Little League officers made a report to the Gonzales Police Department regarding theft from their organization and alleged to have a signed confession from a subject, believed to be Almaguer, regarding the missing money.