Featured News

Former Gananda Youth Football & Cheerleading president arrested

Charged with Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree

CHARLES “JOHN” GUNIO

It has been six weeks since the Times broke the story concerning $47,000 missing from the Gananda Youth Football & Cheerleading accounts. The organizations' past president, (Charles) John Gunio, age 42, of 1571 Wakerobin Court in the Gananda development in Walworth was arrested on Wednesday and charged with Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree.

According to State Police Investigator Robert Klinkman, delays in making arrests was due to scheduling conflicts for interviews with Gunio's lawyer, Ron Valentine, who had been on vacation for several weeks. Valentine, who serves as Wayne County 's Public Defender, also maintains a private practice.

The missing funds, according to Klinkman, were taken during Gunio's term as the organization's president from 2004-2007. On January 29th, the organization held a board meeting open to parents of the children participating in the youth football league. It was announced that the 2006-2007 President of the organization (Gunio) and treasurer were resigning from the organization after it was discovered that close to $47,000 was missing. Between 55-60 people attended that meeting.

Following meetings with the new Gananda Football & Cheerleading president, Marty LaFica and others within the organization, Klinkman began building the case. LaFica said he was not made aware of the missing funds until the day before the meeting.

Charges against Thomas O'Connor, the organization's past treasurer, may also be pending. He reportedly knew about Gunio's taking money out of the organization's account, but said nothing and anticipated that Gunio would repay the funds before leaving office. Klinkman said the investigation is continuing.

Gunio, reportedly indicated that he had dipped into the Gananda Youth Football & Cheerleading funds for his children's college costs and family needs.

Wayne County District Attorney, Rick Healy, said that the fact that Gunio has repaid most of the money already, will weigh in his favor. “Normally, in a case like this, I would recommend probation and either some community service, or some jail time. It varies on his past criminal history. According to police, Gunio has no prior criminal history.

Gunio was arraigned and released on his own recognizance and will appear for his next court date in Walworth Town Court on April 1st.

Attorney Ron Valentine described Gunio as a good person who made a terrible mistake. LaFica said that Gunio repaid $45,748.93 of the missing funds within a week of the discovery. On Thursday, Valentine said that the remainder of the money has been placed in a secure account to be transferred to the organization.