The former executive director of a Stockton-based junior golf nonprofit has been charged with six counts of embezzlement and forgery for allegedly stealing money from the organization, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.
Joseph Smith was the executive director of First Tee San Joaquin, which describes itself on its website as an organization that is “empowering kids and teens through golf” via various camps and other programs.
Prosecutors did not share what led to Smith’s arrest but he was arraigned this week on the embezzlement and forgery charges. He is out of custody and is expected to return to court on June 24.
District Attorney Ron Freitas described the First Tee program as a “valued asset” to the community and said, “those who seek to steal from our children, especially those in a position of trust, will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law by this District Attorney’s Office.”
First Tee San Joaquin’s board of directors said in a statement that they terminated Smith’s employment earlier this year and are “saddened” by the allegations against him.
The organization said, “We will continue to provide education programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.”
