Travel Basketball Program Fraud in New York
Parents in upstate New York are grappling with a betrayal after paying substantial fees for their children’s participation in the Saratoga Raptors travel basketball program, which failed to deliver on promised uniforms and tournaments.
Charges Filed
Norbert A. Sygdziak, 44, from Milton, has been charged with fraud and larceny. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office alleges he used the program to collect fees from numerous families without providing the expected services.
Parental Concerns
One parent, Joe Tocci, reported spending $840 for his 12-year-old son. Other families are said to have lost between $500 to $1,000. After initial practices, tournament cancellations and the absence of uniforms sparked suspicions among parents about the legitimacy of the program.
Investigation Details
As complaints mounted, police began investigating the payments, culminating in Sygdziak’s arrest on July 21. He faces multiple charges, including grand larceny and schemes to defraud. Authorities claim he conducted a systematic scheme to defraud over one thousand dollars from several families.
Sygdziak’s Defense
Sygdziak has contested the allegations, stating that families received several months of practices and scrimmages, attributing the issues to parent dissent.
Program Continuation
Despite the collapse of the Raptors program, the affected families regrouped, hiring new coaches and forming a new team, the Springs City Hoopers, which subsequently participated in tournaments and ended the season with a victory.
Prior Business Complaints
Sygdziak had previously founded a school transportation company that faced numerous complaints for deceptive practices. While the Sheriff’s Office is aware of this, they do not view it as directly relevant to the Raptors case.
Recommendations for Parents
To avoid similar pitfalls, parents are advised to verify travel programs thoroughly by requesting detailed breakdowns of fees and checking tournament legitimacy. Paying by credit card may offer recourse in case of unmet promises.
Reporting Issues
If fraud is suspected, parents can report it to local law enforcement and file complaints with the New York Attorney General’s Office, while preserving all original advertising and payment records.
This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of due diligence when enrolling children in youth sports programs.
