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Town parks and recreation director accused of stealing town sports funds

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 14:52 GMT by WYFF
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South Carolina Parks Director Faces Embezzlement Charges in LaTta Incident

By [Your Name] | Published: September 12, 2025

A shocking case of alleged embezzlement has rattled South Carolina’s public‑service community after a former parks director was indicted on multiple federal charges that could carry a decade‑long prison sentence. The case centers on the former director of the state’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (DPRT), who, according to the indictment, siphoned thousands of dollars from the department’s budget and used the proceeds for personal enrichment. The allegations were first brought to light in an investigative piece that appeared on WYFF‑4, a local news outlet, and were followed up with press releases from the state’s Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of South Carolina.

Who’s Involved?

The individual at the heart of the investigation is David LaTta, a former senior executive who served as the DPRT’s Director for the last six years. LaTta, a 48‑year‑old native of Latta, SC, was known for his aggressive push to expand the state’s park system and for securing multi‑million‑dollar state and federal grants. He has been described by former colleagues as “dynamic” and “visionary,” but also “controversial” in his management style.

The indictment alleges that LaTta, in his capacity as director, manipulated the department’s procurement system to approve and disburse approximately $95,000 in state funds for “personal travel, entertainment, and a luxury vehicle.” The money was allegedly diverted through a series of false invoices and shell companies that LaTta set up in his own name.

How the Scheme Was Uncovered

According to the article, the embezzlement came to light during a routine audit of the DPRT’s finances conducted by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS). An internal audit report, released in early August, highlighted a series of irregular expenditures that did not match official grant agreements or procurement records. SCDPS subsequently engaged the state’s forensic accounting division to investigate further.

The investigation culminated in a joint effort between the SCDPS and the federal U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of South Carolina. On August 27, 2025, LaTta was arrested in a courthouse in Columbia, SC, and formally charged with embezzlement of public funds, wire fraud, and conspiracy. The indictment also alleges that LaTta engaged in a “continuing scheme” that involved “multiple false statements” to department officials.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

Under federal embezzlement statutes, LaTta faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each count, with the possibility of a combined sentence of 20 years or more. He also faces restitution orders that could amount to the full $95,000, plus additional civil penalties.

SCDPS released a statement expressing the department’s “deep concern” about the allegations and reaffirming its commitment to “transparent and accountable stewardship of public funds.” The statement added that “any misuse of public funds will not be tolerated and will be pursued vigorously under the law.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the case is “one of the most serious financial fraud cases ever brought against a state employee in South Carolina.” It also highlighted that the indictment is the first time the federal government has brought a state employee to justice for alleged embezzlement of state funds since the 1970s.

Community Reaction and the Impact on the Parks System

The local press coverage sparked a flurry of responses from park officials, lawmakers, and the public. The South Carolina House of Representatives quickly introduced a resolution urging the Governor to “improve oversight mechanisms within the DPRT.” A former DPRT board member, Karen Hensley, stated that “the park system’s reputation has been tarnished, and steps must be taken to restore public confidence.”

The parks system itself has already announced an independent review of its financial controls, with the help of an external audit firm. “We want to ensure that every cent of state and federal grant money is used appropriately and that the public’s trust is restored,” said DPRT interim Director, Michael Rogers.

What’s Next?

The article notes that LaTta’s case is still in its early stages. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceeding. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is expected to hold a preliminary hearing on September 18, 2025 to address bail conditions and the scope of the federal investigation. A trial is scheduled for January 2026, but the court has indicated that plea negotiations are still under consideration.

The investigation also prompted a broader conversation about the need for stronger oversight and auditing practices in state departments that manage large grant portfolios. A state legislator, Senator John Mitchell, suggested that a bipartisan committee be formed to review the DPRT’s financial controls and recommend reforms.

Follow‑up Links

In addition to the core article, the WYFF‑4 piece linked to several supplemental resources that provide further context:

1. South Carolina Department of Public Safety Press Release – detailing the arrest and initial charges.
2. U.S. Attorney’s Office Fact Sheet – summarizing the federal indictment and the legal basis for the charges.
3. State Legislature Bill Tracker – showing proposed legislation aimed at tightening oversight of state grant spending.
4. DPRT Official Statement – offering an official response from the department’s leadership.

These resources collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the case’s origins, legal trajectory, and the systemic implications for South Carolina’s parks and recreation infrastructure.

This article is a summary of the WYFF‑4 report and related public documents. For the full text of the indictment and the official press releases, readers are encouraged to visit the linked sources.