Houston area coach is accused of keeping a $3,500 check intended for the Special Olympics organization

KATY, Texas – Authorities are searching for a former coach accused of keeping a check intended as a donation to a Special Olympics organization in Texas.

According to court documents, Jeri Flores, 57, received a $3,500 check donation from a parent whose student was a member of Special Olympics Texas.

RECOMMENDED: “I scream. I scream. 'I'm upset': Victims of Houston Cash App scam lose thousands of dollars

One of the Special Olympics Texas organizers told officials that it is standard procedure for coaches to accept donations on behalf of the organization, but they must be deposited into a designated bank account.

This all happened in 2023, when court documents said Flores, the coach of the Katy Stars team, told the parent who donated the check to cash it out on her behalf “to make sure it was on.” processed on the team’s account.”

SEE ALSO: Huffman's handler, who took nearly $25,000 for food but used it to gamble, was sentenced to prison

The money was intended for travel expenses and other needs of the team. However, the mother told investigators she became suspicious when she noticed “no improvements or expenditures were made to the team as promised.” Court documents say the parents repeatedly asked Flores for details about how the funds were used, but it is unclear what answer she gave.

After the season ended, in January 2024, the parent told officials Flores had begun avoiding her and could not provide receipts to prove the money was used for its intended purpose. The mother then contacted one of the organizers with her concerns, and they learned that there was no record of the donation.

The court filing also states that shortly after one of the parents presented Flores with the check, rumors began to be heard that the coach “had a history of improper money management.”

SEE ALSO: $11,000 Robbery: Houston delivery driver accused of stealing pallets of Amazon packages from warehouse

Documents obtained by KPRC 2 reporter Bryce Newberry showed Flores had been arrested for theft in 2001.

Investigators examined Flores' bank account history and were able to confirm that she had indeed deposited the money into her personal checking account, which was then transferred into Zelle Payments and made multiple ATM withdrawals.

Flores has not been arrested at this time, but a warrant has been filed for his arrest and he is facing theft charges.

KPRC 2 reached out to Special Olympics Texas for more details on Flores' work history but has not received a response at the time of writing.