Former Parkview (Ga.) High School track coach Matthew Henson is accused of stealing thousands of dollars in track and field booster club money meant for student-athletes over several years.
According to CBS News, Henson was arrested Wednesday on felony theft charges, but he resigned from his position at Parkview in November 2025 when the investigation began.
Throughout the investigation, Gwinnett County Public Schools identified several occasions dating back to 2018 when parents and donors raised concerns about how money was being spent. They estimate that Henson stole $65,000 from 2018 to 2025 by using a debit card linked to the booster club account.
"He was using a debit card that was used for the booster account as well as a checkbook for the booster account," said lieutenant Gene Hamilton, "so he was using those funds for various things for personal reasons, travel subscriptions, services, and things of that nature."
Neither GCPS or the booster club, which operates as a third party organization not directly connected with the school, has not recovered the money Henson spent, but the team has continued to operate as normal. The Parkview Track and Field Booster Club is listed as a non-profit organization.
"The original tips that started coming in were some concerns where they realized that money wasn't being spent and putting toward the areas that they were told it was, so it wasn't being used for the purposes that had been explained to them, like jerseys or equipment," said interim Gwinnett County police chief Mary Williford.
Henson was booked into jail on Wednesday, Aug. 5, and he posted an $11,200 bond.
"Although I am deeply disappointed and troubled by these allegations, I am proud of the swift and responsible actions taken by our school, district leaders, and law enforcement," Parkview High School principal David Smith said in a statement obtained by Fox 5 Atlanta. “Their courage, diligence, and willingness to speak up allowed district officials and law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action.”
