Two men who ran a fake youth softball charity through concessions sales at Petco Park and Snapdragon Stadium have pleaded guilty to federal charges.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Noly Hermoso Ilarde, 57, of San Diego, and Martin Jose Rebollo Jr., 58, of Chula Vista, claimed to run "Chula Vista Fast Pitch," which was selected to sell concessions at the two San Diego sports venues with an agreement that around 10% of sales would go to the supposed charity.
Given that the charity didn't actually exist, IIarde and Rebollo paid the people who staffed the booths but pocketed most of the money.
NBC San Diego reported that the fake charity received around $3.5 million from Delaware North, a hospitality management company that's in charge of concessions. The scam also garnered $250,000 from Aztex Shops, the nonprofit in charge of Snapdragon Stadium concessions.
Ilarde admitted gaining $550,000 through the scheme, while Rebollo admitted making over $1.5 million.
Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while Rebollo also pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return -- for not reporting the full amount he gained through the scheme -- and social security fraud.
