KINDERSLEY –The Kerrobert Minor Hockey Association has been left reeling after the discovery of a significant theft by its former treasurer, Lyndsay Charlotte Neumeier. Now 42 years old, Neumeier pleaded guilty during a hearing in Kindersley Circuit Court on April 29.
Neumeier was handed a two-year Conditional Sentence Order (CSO) to be served in the community after the court heard the devastating impact her actions had on the local minor hockey community.
“This theft has drastically reduced our ability to provide the services and equipment necessary to give the children of our community the best hockey experience possible,” said the Kerrobert Minor Hockey Board in a victim impact statement to the court.
“It is hard to quantify the loss our organization has suffered as a result of Ms. Neumeier’s actions, especially since it was over such a significant time period.”
On Friday, one parent voiced their frustration to SaskToday, challenging whether the restitution arrangement was fair.
“Our kids play hockey in Kerrobert. Hockey numbers are way down in our community with fees having to be higher than they should have been. The judge is making her repay over 15 years interest free. What about the time and money both of these organizations spent getting the audits and all of the other information ready for this? The residents at the Pioneer Haven had their quality of life taken away for no reason other than greed.”
The financial setback has had a severe impact on the minor hockey organization. According to the victim statement, the theft began shortly after Neumeier took the position of treasurer in 2019. By the 2020-21 season, the organization faced a cash deficit, which led to an increase in registration fees that has since remained in place, contributing to a decline in the number of children signing up for the program.
“It is apparent to our Board now that fees did not have to be increased so significantly in 2020. If all monies earned by the organization had been deposited into our bank account, we could have reduced the financial burden on families in our community,” read the victim impact statement.
In January 2023, Kindersley RCMP started a fraud investigation after they received a report that a fraud had occurred at a business in Kerrobert. The investigation revealed that another theft had occurred from the local minor sports association and the combined frauds exceeded $100,000.
Months later, in December 2023, Neumeier was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card and fraudulent use of a debit card. Those charges were withdrawn and replaced with theft over $5,000, and a charge of by deceit, falsehood or fraudulent means, defrauds the public or any person of property, money or valuables.
As the investigation unfolded, board members recalled the challenges they faced in attempting to recover financial records from Neumeier, with some even having to go to her home to retrieve the missing documents.
“In February 2023, our organization became aware of the fact that there were accusations of theft against the Treasurer of the Kerrobert Minor Hockey Board, Lyndsay Neumeier. All members were shocked and had trouble believing that a member of our community could do this. The organization requested all of Kerrobert Minor Hockey’s documents and information from Lyndsay Neumeier immediately. We tried to get this information delivered to us, but eventually three Board members had to go to Ms. Neumeier’s house and demand she provide us with everything after she failed to respond to our requests. We live in a small community, and this was an upsetting experience for the Board members.
“The organization was still in the middle of hockey season and therefore we also needed to find someone to fill in the Treasurer role for the remainder to ensure the hockey season could continue smoothly,” continued the victim impact statement. “This added additional stress to the volunteer Board members.”
Neumeier’s actions, which spanned several years, have had a lasting impact on the Kerrobert Minor Hockey Association, court heard.
“As more information became available and the Kerrobert Minor Hockey records were reviewed, it was determined that $32,640.50 in funds were missing,” read the victim impact statement. “This was cash taken from registration fees, floats, 50/50 and gate sales at minor hockey games. Kerrobert Minor Hockey uses this cash to provide children with the supplies, equipment, and facilities that they need to play hockey. Hockey allows children to gain valuable skills and experiences that will help them in all areas of their life.
“Without this cash we are not able to provide these kids with all the items they may need in order to get as much out of this experience as they can. It also reduces our ability to provide other activities and camps that could help kids develop and learn.”
