Criminal charges have been filed against the former Treasurer for the Broadway Bombers softball organization for reportedly using its funds to make an aggregate total of more than $10,000 in unauthorized purchases.
44-year-old Heather Paez of Scottsbluff was arrested Wednesday on a Class 2A Felony charge of Theft by Unlawful Taking, More than $5,000.
Court records show that in December 2022, a new board for the Broadway Bombers was elected, and they contacted the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office about a possible theft. The board reported that there was only $413 in the organization’s bank account, and Ralph Paez had informed them that the Bombers had a $9,000 interest free loan that needed to be paid back.
Subpoenas were issued for the Broadway Bomber’s accounts at Platte Valley Bank and First National Bank of Omaha. Over the course of the investigation, authorities found numerous transactions from the account they claim were for personal use to the benefit of Heather Paez or Ralph Paez.
- May 16, 2022- TPC Colorado Restaurant- $240.45 for food and alcoholic drinks
- March 17, 2022- Senior Pictures- $695.50
- April 9, 2022- Kaplan University- $19 for class Ethics, 4th Edition for Insurance Continuing Education
- March 17- June 6, 2022- Wal-Mart- $755.31 for toys, food, household supplies
- March 15- June 23, 2022- Amazon.com- $703.16- Clothing, toys, electronics, personal items, home items, graduation banner, vehicle equipment, Amazon Prime Video purchases
- April 10, 2022- Sanford’s Grub and Pub- $132.91 for food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
- June 4, 2022- Cheyenne Safeway- $68.58 for food, drinks and candy
- June 17, 2022- Azazie Clothing Online- $137.98 for a dress
- May 14, 2022- Hotels.com- Holiday Inn Express in Salina, KS $21.34
- March 28, 2022- Courtyard by Marriott Loveland, CO $126.32
- June 3, 2022- Discount Fireworks- $234.43 for fireworks
- December 28, 2020- NPPD- Bombers FNBO Checking Account used to make ACH payment of $450.70 to 16th Empire
- April 28- May 12, 2022- Kaplan University- $194- Online class of: Anti-Money Laundering: Threats, Vulnerabilities and Strategies. Anti-Money Laundering: Understanding the Problem and the Programs to Fight It, two state reporting fees
- June 2018- September 20, 2021- Walmart- $2,242.96 for food, clothing, diapers, toys, personal items
- May 28- June 1, 2023- GM Financial Bombers FNBO Checking Account used to make $963.60 payment; FNBO Visa Card used to make a $952.60 payment for a vehicle purchased by Ralph Paez
- June 17, 2021- Gering Garden Center for $144.90
- June 19, 2021- Dave and Busters Restaurant for $202.67
- May 13, 2022 GTL Inmate Phone Service for $50
- May 18, 2022- Monument Grill $55.25
- June 20-June 22, 2022- Door Dash- $81.83
- September 2021- Cenex for $186.56
- August 12, 2022, FNBO Cashier’s Check from closed Bombers account for $42.19 deposited into personal account of Ralph and Heather
- May 13, 2022- Bombers FNBO check written to Heather for $839.28 re: Arvada/ Longmont fee. Deposited into personal account of Ralph and Heather
- May 28, 2021: Bombers FNBO check written to Heather for $1,289.63 re: Ins. Reimburse. Deposited into personal account of Ralph and Heather
- December 16, 2020- Bombers FNBO check written to Heather for $1,996.42 re: Reimb. FOD fee/FOUP. Deposited into personal account of Ralph and Heather
The affidavit continues that on February 17, 2023, Heather Hayes came to the Sheriff’s Office to pay distress warrants for Superior Home Inspections and 16th Empire. Investigators advised her about the Broadway Bombers investigation and she agreed to be interviewed. She said there were times where she used the wrong card by accident and ‘believed she had repaid the money by depositing cash.’ She continued that “it was not a lot of times, I don’t know.”
It was explained to Heather that the ACH payments to NPPD and GM Financial were used intentionally, and the user would have to deliberately provide the routing and checking numbers. She advised she did make those payments and asked what she could do. Heather later stated she is admitting fault that sometimes she did use funds and asked if she could just pay the money back.
On February 28, 2023, Ralph Paez went to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview, and said he was unaware of any personal use of Broadway Bombers funds by Heather.
In total, investigators say the unauthorized monies from the Broadway Bombers from December 1, 2020 through August 12, 2022 was taken by Heather Paez in the amount of $10,772.87.
A signed warrant was issued and executed on December 6, 2023. Heather Paez was booked into the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center around 9:30 p.m. and bonded out approximately 90 minutes later.
Court records do not list when Heather Paez is scheduled to make her initial appearance on the charge. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence ranging from 0 to 20 years, probation and/or restitution.
