A San Juan County woman is facing multiple felony charges after investigators allege she embezzled more than $100,000 from a youth soccer organization over several years while serving as the league’s treasurer.
Allegations Involving Youth Soccer League Finances
According to a sworn affidavit filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court, Terra Lacey, 54, of Waterflow, was responsible for managing the finances of the Four Corners Youth Soccer League (FCYSL) from approximately 2017 through 2025. Investigators allege that during that time, Lacey used league funds for personal expenses, including retail purchases, restaurants, and ATM withdrawals.
Court records state that Lacey was later removed from her position as treasurer after league leadership reviewed financial records and raised concerns about the handling of league funds.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation began in June 2025 after league leadership reviewed financial records and noticed irregularities. According to the affidavit, league president Bryant Barry told deputies that after assuming control of the finances, board members discovered what they believed to be extensive misuse of league money.
Barry estimated that approximately $70,000 was initially unaccounted for, prompting a deeper forensic review of multiple years of bank records.
Investigators noted that Lacey had sole access to the league’s debit card and was responsible for taxes, financial reporting, and account oversight. Court records state that required taxes had not been filed since 2021.
Statements to Investigators
When contacted by investigators, Lacey reportedly admitted she had taken money for personal use. According to the affidavit, she apologized and stated she believed she was going to jail.
During a later interview, Lacey allegedly acknowledged she had taken the money herself and said no other board members or family members were involved.
Investigators allege the misuse of funds began during the COVID-19 period in 2020 and continued for several years. Lacey reportedly stated that she made frequent purchases ranging from $200 to $500 and said she could not recall all the locations where the league debit card had been used.
Financial Review and Transaction Findings
A forensic financial review was conducted using approximately six years of bank statements. According to the affidavit, investigators identified repeated transactions inconsistent with normal league operations.
Those transactions allegedly included purchases at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon, Big 5 Sporting Goods, restaurants, and numerous ATM withdrawals.
Investigators stated that the league typically paid referees by check and had no legitimate operational need for regular cash withdrawals.
Single-Day Spending Highlighted
One example cited in the affidavit describes more than $1,100 spent in a single day across multiple retail locations.
Total Amounts and Criminal Charges
The financial review concluded that a total of $121,543.70 had been taken over several years. Due to New Mexico’s statute of limitations, investigators stated that funds taken in 2019 could not be charged.
After excluding that period, the total alleged embezzlement amount included in the criminal charges was calculated at $108,564.76.
Court records list multiple felony counts, including embezzlement over $20,000 and embezzlement over $2,500, tied to specific time periods between 2020 and 2025.
Related Coverage
This case follows other recent San Juan County investigations involving alleged misuse of trust and online activity. Readers can view related coverage in a separate San Juan Pulse report involving a Facebook horse sale and criminal allegations.
Arrest and Case Status
Lacey was arrested and booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center. Jail records show she was later released. The case remains pending in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
All charges are allegations. Lacey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.