SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Matthew Dickson, the former president of the Dix Hills Soccer Club, pleaded guilty on Friday to embezzling more than $70,000 from the club’s operating account, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Dickson, 44, admitted to stealing the funds while serving as the club’s vice president and later president in 2022. He pleaded guilty to petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, in Suffolk County Supreme Court.
“This defendant executed a scheme to line his own pockets with funds that were intended to benefit children,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. “Today’s guilty plea not only holds him accountable for his betrayal of trust, but is also an important step towards making his victims feel whole again as my office required the defendant pay back the full amount of money to the soccer club.”
Dickson paid $76,237 in restitution to the club before entering his plea. According to prosecutors, he diverted funds by writing checks to himself and his corporation, collecting payments through his personal Venmo account, and failing to reimburse the club for credit card expenses.
Dix Hills Soccer Club President Martin Targett expressed relief following the plea, stating, “Justice has been served for the members of our club and community. We are pleased our procedures allowed us to identify the wrongdoing, and we are grateful for the professionalism and collaboration with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.”
As part of his plea deal, Dickson must serve three years of probation, complete over 400 hours of community service, and write an apology letter to the club’s board of directors.
Dickson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15, 2024. He is being represented by attorney James Misiano.