Police arrested a Springfield man on Wednesday, Sept. 10, in connection with a theft of about $50,000 from a local youth football league in west Eugene, according to a statement from Eugene police.

Ean Douglas Lynum has been charged with first-degree theft and aggravated first-degree theft, with the thefts taking place in 2022 and 2023, according to a document filed in Lane County Circuit Court.

The money was taken from Bethel Youth Football and Cheer, the court document states. 

Police said Lynum at the time served as treasurer for the group, and the loss left the league without money to pay for players’ gear.

The Bethel sports organization is a part of the Willamette Valley Youth Football and Cheer league, according to its website, and the Willamette Valley Youth organization reported the theft in November 2023, said Melinda McLaughlin, a police spokesperson.

Lynum has been involved in other sports programs, police said, and anyone with information about similar activity may call Detective Chris White at 541-682-5376 or email cwhite@eugene-or.gov.