22-05-2025
Former First Tee of San Joaquin executive director charged with embezzlement, forgery
Joseph Smith, former executive director of First Tee of San Joaquin, was arraigned this week on six counts of embezzlement and forgery, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office announced.
Smith, who was fired by First Tee of San Joaquin in early 2025, is accused of one count of embezzlement, one count of embezzlement of more than $950, and four counts of forgery. He is accused of embezzling $90,000, according to the criminal complaint.
In the complaint filed May 14 by the district attorney's office, prosecutors allege Smith was an employee at First Tee of San Joaquin County when he committed the crimes. Prosecutors also allege Smith issued a debit card and personal checks while knowing they were false, altered, forged or counterfeited.
The charges come after the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office began an investigation into Smith in March. The investigation was prompted by allegations from First Tee of San Joaquin officials, according to sheriff's spokesperson Heather Brent.
Smith was arrested by sheriff's deputies on May 8 and arraigned in San Joaquin County Superior Court on May 20.
First Tee of San Joaquin is a nonprofit organization that works with children ages 7 to 17. According to its website, the nonprofit "enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges."
"By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do," the organization's website states. "We're building game changers through our junior golf programs."
District Attorney Ron Freitas said Wednesday that First Tee of San Joaquin has been a valued asset to San Joaquin County since its founding.
"They instill lessons in our area children that they can carry into adulthood and prepare them to be successful members of our community," Freitas said. "The funds stolen were intended to support these vulnerable children, and those who seek to steal from our children, especially those in a position of trust, will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law by this district attorney's office."
In a written statement issued Tuesday, First Tee San Joaquin officials said they were "saddened about the unfortunate news of embezzlement" by Smith.
"Know that we are taking this matter very seriously," First Tee San Joaquin officials said. "As we move forward, the board of First Tee San Joaquin assures you that we are dedicated to serving the kids of San Joaquin County. We will continue to provide educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf."
Smith is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. June 24 before Judge John Soldati in Department 8B of San Joaquin County Superior Court for further arraignment.
Complaint against Joseph Smith by eroberts on Scribd
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@ or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at
This article originally appeared on The Record: Former First Tee of San Joaquin executive director charged with embezzlement
