Pennsylvania High School Basketball Coach Accused of $250K Theft

Burrell High School's Michael Fantuzzo allegedly embezzled funds from a non-profit organization.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A Pennsylvania high school basketball coach has been accused of embezzling nearly $250,000 from a non-profit organization he was involved with. Michael Fantuzzo, the head boys basketball coach at Burrell High School, is facing charges of theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception for allegedly using a credit card from the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA) for personal expenses.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of financial oversight and accountability, especially for those in positions of trust within non-profit organizations and school athletic programs. The alleged theft of a significant amount of funds could have major implications for the POTA and Burrell High School's basketball program.

The details

According to the Montgomery County District Attorney's office, Fantuzzo is accused of using a POTA credit card to make over $128,000 in personal charges, including expenses for a family trip to Disney World, an Outer Banks vacation rental, country club membership fees, limousine service, credit card payments, and property tax payments. Fantuzzo has been the head coach of Burrell's boys basketball team since the 2020-21 season, compiling a 68-64 record over six campaigns.

  • Fantuzzo has been the head coach of Burrell's boys basketball team since the 2020-21 season.
  • This season, Burrell's boys basketball team has a 10-12 record and is ranked No. 309 in the latest Pennsylvania 2025 High School Boys Basketball Massey Rankings.
  • The charges against Fantuzzo were announced earlier this week by the Montgomery County District Attorney's office.

The players

Michael Fantuzzo

The head boys basketball coach at Burrell High School in Pennsylvania, who has been accused of embezzling nearly $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA).

Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA)

A non-profit organization that Fantuzzo was allegedly involved with, from which he is accused of embezzling the funds.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those in positions of trust accountable for any misuse of funds, especially when it involves a non-profit organization and a school's athletic program.”

— Montgomery County District Attorney (Montgomery County District Attorney's Office)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Fantuzzo's bail status in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight within non-profit organizations and school athletic programs to prevent potential misuse of funds and maintain public trust.