3 accused of stealing from youth football program - KDVR

[Outraged Dad]

Upset Mom wrote:

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I couldn't agree with you more. I'm sure that we have seen each other around. I can't believe that they are allowed to still be involved. When does this all end. It makes me wonder if more people at a higher level are involved and this is why the wyckoffs are still around. Maybe this is a cover up. There is no telling how many others are involved. If anyone on the JMFA (Bill Patten) is involved then I hope they fry as well.

I would hope at least Fox 31 knows about the meeting tonight and would hope that 4, 7, and 9 are aware of the meeting as well.
I am sure the meeting is closed, but how will Mr. Patten handle the media standing in the parking lot before the meeting. Will Cheryl Wycoff show up for the meeting? Questions to be answered in about 5 hours.
Bill Patten can't ignor this even if his term is up in December, It all happened on his watch. I feel for the rest of the JMFA Board and area director and boards who are getting a black eye from this incident. I know several of the directors at the county level and many at the area level, and I truly believe most of them would and at times have given the shirts off their backs to help the league. I believe Bill is also a stand up guy who has just gotten tired of the mess and wants it to go away. Sorry Bill it won't for a while.
I doubt Bill knew what was happening in detail, but had to have some wind of the investigation. Why would he ignor that?
Questions to be answered by somebody, some day. Someone stated earlier, Steve and Cheryl Wycoff are nice people. I can't disagree with that, but it is irrelivent at this time, Cheryl, Bill and Kelli H are indicted with a felony. I am sure people said Bernie Madouff or Joe Nachio were great guys too. Need I say more?
This is happening to much and who pays for it. Like said in previous threads, The kids through the parents. Will this end it inthe future? No Greed and power will tempt someone else in the future. Hopefully it won't be with GAMFA or JMFA!
It is Playoff time, we need to concentrate on the rewards the kids have made through the season.

[Golden Coach]

A wise old man once told me,"It is always better to research a situation,before making a comment." I think it is a shame the media can report this story and leave people to assume Cheryl stole money from GAMFA.For anyone interested,you might contact the County Courthouse and find out exactly what it says on the summons that was issued to Cheryl.

[Golden Dad]

Golden Coach wrote:

A wise old man once told me,"It is always better to research a situation,before making a comment." I think it is a shame the media can report this story and leave people to assume Cheryl stole money from GAMFA.For anyone interested,you might contact the County Courthouse and find out exactly what it says on the summons that was issued to Cheryl.

Well I heard about this situation over a year ago and I chose to investigate it a little more myself. I didn't want my sons to be affected by our the hype. So Upon my investigation I found out a lot of info. As for the courthouse it is full of information that was very helpful. Don't prejudge those of us that have concern about the youth programs that we pay for our kids to be a part of if YOU have done your research.

I have also talked to Ms Cheryl about this personally. Both of our family's are very close and I feel as though she is having a difficult time, but she is innocent until proven guilty. However.....there is an overwhelming amount of evidence in this investigation. I have no doubt that the jeffco da has done there homework, so I say to you. Back off and quit slamming others about there opinions. Everyone has a right to voice there opionions.

[outraged grandmother]

Maybe you all had better listen and find out all the right information before you make another comment. This is a free country and a person is innocent until they have been proven guilty.. Most, have already have judged and convicted. Most of all shame, shame, shame, on you for mentioning the childrens names in all of this. How would you like this if that to happen to your children? You say you feel sorry for them, then keep them out of this mess, that is if you really have any compassion at all. As far as going to the meeting where were all the people that saod that they going to show up and voice their feelings? Maybe you should get much more involved than just going to the games. Insted of sitting on the sidelines and complaining.

[A grandma too]

I agree with the last post. I thought that in America we are innocent until proven guilty. Are you morons that judge without real facts behind your decisions. I am ashamed for those of you that mentioned the childrens names in this discussion. I for one would do anything to protect my children and grandchildren and if I found out that someone was defimating my kids name I would scratch like a mama bear. Too bad the person that named the kids doesn't have that protective characteristic too. Shame on you for being so wrapped in yourself and your lack of a real life that you have to believe what you hear instead of believing in someone that gives their time and efforts to help our kids in their activities. To give your time and energy to organizations takes a lot of commitment and unfortunately there are not enough of you out there that are willing to do more that complain and attack others when they need our support and backing. Shame on you!!!! Give the benefit of the doubt and wait for the facts and findings to come out in the end. If you are so innocent that you can cast the first stone then go ahead. I doubt that is possible however!!!!1126

[Outraged Dad]

For all of you complaining about those of us who are talking about The Wycoffs doing the right thing, read the post from Thursday 10/29. In that I talk about innocent until proven guilty. This isn't about innocent or guilty. It is about what is right NOW, and what is right is for anybody who is involved in or adjacent to the indicements is to step back. You will get your day in court, tell you side of the story.
If you, that are complaining, think your so good or high and mighty, go to the court house and get a copy of the indictement, and see who are the morons. I bet you have no idea where the court house is, even if you could find it could you find the DA's office to request a copy of the papers. It is public record at this point and you can have a copy for yourself. There are things that are sealed, but the indictement is open. Look at the evidence stated in the indictement, make a judgement based on facts, not conjecture.
I hope for Cheryl and Steve are innocent (I know Steve wasn't indicted but they are in it together as a married couple). I hope she can defend what she has been accused of doing.
In the mean time why drag down JMFA and GAMFA with you. Step away and prove your innocense.
You're all correct, no body should have brought the Wycoff kids into this they are simply involved because their parents are but should have remained far far away from this or any discussion. They are innocent people being raked over the coals by their friends and other that know them. With that said, someone feeling for the kids is not wrong either.
Why won't Cheryl resign from JMFA and GAMFA? Why is Bill Patten not confronting her or pushing her to resign?
I guess at this point only Bill knows what he is thinking, and Cheryl knows what is in front of her. Maybe she has assurred Bill it is not going to turn out bad.
Bill don't take that chance, You can always bring her back when she proves her innocence, if she can!

[Golden reason]

Expressing one's opinion is a protected right under the First Amendment, Free Speech, of our Constitution. But, I wonder how many people know that there are limitations set forth to protect this country's citizens?
No verdict has been achieved at this point of the investigation; therefore placing guilt is a false statement. When one couples said false statement with malicious and patronizing declarations, one has stepped over the line and proceeded down a slippery slope set by the limitations of the First Amendment.
Libel and Slander are not protected, and Fighting Words are not protected, by the First Amendment.
As part of an Internet safety plan that protects the identity of children, no one is allowed to use names or images of children without the direct consent of their parents or guardians. To do so is considered an illegal act, showing depraved indifference to the children's privacy and wellbeing.
Slander: defined as a false and malicious statement that damages someone's reputation, Libel: a written statement published (even in a public forum setting) that is in blatant disregard for facts, with the purpose of damaging someone's reputation. Both are illegal under the right to protect one's self from defamation of character.
Now that we all understand that many of the statements concerning the Wycoffs are actually damaging and illegal, maybe we should move to another definition, Extenuating Circumstances : factors in a case that make someone's actions excusable or less blameworthy. One vague, but applicable example would be: In the heat of the moment, it is easy to let our anger speak for us … as many of you have just shown. Another example would be: Good faith, where the effort to fulfill a contract is in good faith, and illegal actions were unknown at the time. Funny thing about Extenuating Circumstances … they don't usually become common knowledge until the court proceedings are, in fact, under way. Just a point for you to sit back for a moment, gage your own questionable actions, and understand that beyond innocent until proven guilty, there are circumstances that will be sorted when the situation meets its court date.
This whole situation, including this forum, reeks of lapse in judgment … I am appalled by the readily available hatred without proof that individuals show to others they once called friends. In my opinion, the only person making a valid point is the one who seems to be only interested in the conflict of interest concerning continued involvement with the JMFA and GAMFA while being investigated.
I do hope that when one of you finds yourself dealing with the consequences of your lapse in judgment that you have more insightful and compassionate friends, than what you have shown here.

[Not Buying It]

Do you get nose bleeds up there, "reason"? Please. We all know these people, and while the guilt of Ms. Wyckoff has not been proved, the guilt of the Hillborne's has been proven more than once, and the court docs indicting Wyckoff are damning, at best. As good, hard working parents in the community, these folks are tired of shenanigans from people who convince them to trust them. It might not have been wise to name kids- I don't think anyone who knows them doesn't know, though, and anyone who doesn't isn't here and doesn't care. Friends? Take your PC, high-handed, holier than thou, gosh aren't I smart, preaching to the bank- where the money from HONEST people should be, and isn't.

[A grandma too]

I've been reading the above comments including my previous one and I feel there is a lot of misinformation going on and a lot of back stabbing. Outraged Dad, you are a condescending creep that only knows how to cut people down. Your comments about not being able to find the courthouse or the DA's office for papers was totally inappropriate. I know what he papers say and I know what Cheryl has to say. I have known her since she was beginning to walk and I can tell you the only thing she did wrong was to believe in someone and trust them. Mr. Hilbourne lied to her and she only had a big heart and tried to help someone she thought was a friend. Yes, that was a mistake in judgement but as I said before, if you can cast the first stone because you are so perfect then that only shows your own ignorance. I would never go so far as to say that I haven't made a mistake. Can you? If you were or are honesly friends of Cheryl and Steve,then stand by them. As for removing themselves from JMFA and GAMFA wouldn't that make them look guilty? Except for one mistaken judgement call (which is clearly shown and not covered up- extenuating circumstances)there have been no other signs of misappropriation.

[raysmom]

I don't know the Wyckoffs, I don't think- I have probably seen them, being involved in Golden sports. I am somewhere in between here- Buying it has a point that those castigating others about "mistakes" are misdirecting to some extent the fact that when you take responsibility, you are responsible, period. And no one said anything bad about the kids, just stated their names- not smart, but not ill meant, either. That being said, I DO know the Hillbornes, well, and can see how they might have pulled the wool over her eyes- they did that to a lot of good folks. I take it you are Ms. Wyckoff's relative or close friend, G-Too; This must be hard for you, and I'm sorry for that and hope this turns out the best it can for everyone involved.

[Golden reason]

A grandma too wrote:

I've been reading the above comments including my previous one and I feel there is a lot of misinformation going on and a lot of back stabbing. Outraged Dad, you are a condescending creep that only knows how to cut people down. Your comments about not being able to find the courthouse or the DA's office for papers was totally inappropriate. I know what he papers say and I know what Cheryl has to say. I have known her since she was beginning to walk and I can tell you the only thing she did wrong was to believe in someone and trust them. Mr. Hilbourne lied to her and she only had a big heart and tried to help someone she thought was a friend. Yes, that was a mistake in judgement but as I said before, if you can cast the first stone because you are so perfect then that only shows your own ignorance. I would never go so far as to say that I haven't made a mistake. Can you? If you were or are honesly friends of Cheryl and Steve,then stand by them. As for removing themselves from JMFA and GAMFA wouldn't that make them look guilty? Except for one mistaken judgement call (which is clearly shown and not covered up- extenuating circumstances)there have been no other signs of misappropriation.

G-too, I ask you forgive my lapse in judgment … for acknowledging any part of Outrage's prejudice as valid. Any valid point that could have been expressed was destroyed as soon the personal attacks began. You are correct that stepping away, in the way he suggests, would only confirm his own unsupported decision of guilt. So, I am sorry.
Cheryl has not stepped down in the face of this abuse, showing a dedication that should be admired. Her actions are not those of a guilty person, but of one who knows her own innocence. It is my belief that Bill is aware of her extenuating circumstances; as the lack of action speaks of a conviction in that Cheryl still deserves their trust. A trust that only confirms there is no need to prove innocence, because Cheryl is innocent, until proven otherwise.

[Priorities Folks]

To all!!! Whether you call this a lapse in judgment or wool over her eyes, wrong is wrong!! It is not for any of us to decide guilt or innocence, but we do have the absolute right to voice our opinions regarding our level of comfort with Cheryl's continued involvement. As for myself I was not personally a part of any of the theft or misappropriation of funds, so I will not speak regarding ANYONE'S guilt or innocence. If those of you with all of the "facts" regarding innocence or guilt in this case have true "facts" I suggest you remain anonymous or the next felony summons may have your name on it. The facts are simple at this point..... money is missing and it's for the three people who had access to it and the courts to figure out where it went and who is truly accountable. Those are the only true facts ANY of us have at this point!!
As for my personal level of comfort with the Wyckoff's continued involvement in GAMFA..... I don't believe that stepping down at this point shows guilt, I believe it would show good faith. If what "grandma" says is true, there would be no reason to worry in stepping down and I believe it would be the responsible thing to do. There is a large number of parents who are suddenly not comfortable with her continued involvement..... This is not a paid position, nor is it going to affect her life in any way other than how she feels about her position in the community. I think that ship has pretty much sailed at this point!! At this point in the game none of these people should be thinking about their community status, this is a volunteer position and it is my opinion that it should be handed over to a third party, at the very least until this is all sorted out and the true facts come to light in a court of law.
I know all of these people personally (been involved in GAMFA longer than any of them) and naturally have my opinions regarding this case. The fact is though, that EVERY ONE of these people are innocent until proven guilty!! I don't personally believe that there is a victim in this case other than the kids and parents who lost their hard earned money. I'd like to hope that nobody could "pull the wool over my eyes" to the tune of $10,000 though!! Whether deliberate or not everyone here needs to be held accountable for their actions and our name calling, and throwing of guilt and/or innocence will not change that fact. I think everyone here has lost sight of who the true victims are and the fact that our only responsibility at this point is to protect them in the future. I don't believe that ANYONE (yes even the Hilborne's) involved in this set out to harm our children, but if we are truly the responsible adults we claim to be we should be, we would focusing on where we go from here, not who we want to defend and who we want to cause more damage to. The damage is done!!! EVERYONE (including Cheryl) should do the responsible thing now and start looking at what's in the best interest of the kids and this program.
My personal opinions are as follows: A grand jury doesn't indict you because they feel like it- all 3 defendants in this case did something to cause their indictment- Cheryl was not forced or tricked into any of this- all of the posts discussing the Wyckoff's kids are COMPLETELY out of line- Cheryl should ABSOLUTELY step down- NONE of these people "deserve" anyone's trust, that is something you earn- and finally it is my opinion that this is a very unfortunate situation and I personally hope the very best for everyone involved (guilty or not). Did that change the facts? NO!! The fact is that my opinion means nothing in the grand scheme of things and my focus needs to be directed to proactive involvement, not slander.
We all saw this coming, yet there is some element of surprise here that I don't understand.....