KATY, Texas – Authorities are looking for a former coach accused of keeping a check, meant as a donation to a Special Olympics organization in Texas.
According to court records, Jeri Flores, 57, was given a $3,500 check donation by a parent, whose student was a member of Special Olympics Texas.
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One of Special Olympics Texas’ organizers told officers it’s standard procedure for coaches to accept donations on behalf of the organization, but they’re supposed to be put in a designated bank account.
It all happened back in 2023 when court documents said Flores, the coach for the Katy Stars team, told the parent who donated the check to make it payable in her name, “to ensure it would be processed for the team account.”
The money was meant for the team’s travel expenses and other needs. However, the parent told investigators she grew suspicious when she noticed “no improvements or expenditures for the team as promised.” Court records claim the parent repeatedly asked Flores for details on how the funds were used but it’s unclear what response she gave.
After the season ended, in January 2024, the parent told officials Flores started avoiding her and could not provide receipts to prove the money was being used for its intended purpose. That’s when the parent brought her concerns to one of the organizers, and they learned there wasn’t any record of the donation.
Court records also mention shortly after one of the parents gave Flores the check, they started hearing rumors about the coach having “a history of not properly handling money.”
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Documents obtained by KPRC 2 reporter Bryce Newberry showed Flores was previously arrested in 2001 for theft.
Investigators looked into Flores’ bank account history and were able to confirm she did in fact deposit the money into her personal checking account, which was then transferred into Zelle payments as well as several withdrawals at the ATM.
Flores has not been arrested at this time, but a warrant has been filed, and faces felony theft charges.
KPRC 2 has reached out to Special Olympics Texas for more details on Flores’ employment history but has not heard back, as of this writing.