CHIEFLAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A high school cheerleading coach was arrested for stealing funds from the Chiefland Cheerleading team, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Administrators from the Chiefland Middle/High School reported suspected theft in December of 2023 after funds from a fundraiser did not match the expected earnings when the deposit was made, LCSO said.

Megan Del Castillo, 34, was the coach for the cheerleading team and was responsible for collecting and making deposits into the team accounts after fundraising had ended.

According to LCSO, Detective Rob Bowers met with administrators and financial officers of the Levy County School Board and began an audit. During the initial inquiries, it was believed the funds missing estimated over $11,000.

In February 2024 Detective Bowers met with Del Castillo who at first denied taking the money, but after the meeting, she changed her statement and admitted to keeping some money, but nothing close to $11,000.

Del Castillo cooperated with Detective Bowers and offered documentation to help with the investigation as well as participated in several meetings, LCSO said.

None of the documents given were able to clarify the discrepancies and in April 2024 she could not be located by Detective Bowers for further comment.

In November 2024 documentation from financial institutions was obtained and a forensic audit of the fundraising accounts and the accounts owned by Del Castillo was conducted, deputies said.

Detective Bowers and the finance department were able to determine $11,493.90 of funds from cheer fees, fundraisers, and bus fees known to be delivered to Del Castillo were not deposited, according to LCSO.

The money taken was believed to be used for Del Castillo’s personal gain.

While attempting to locate Del Castillo, Detective Bowers discovered she had moved from the area and could not contact her.

Detective Bowers secured a warrant for Del Castillo’s arrest in January 2025 for scheme to defraud.

Del Castillo was located in Lake Placid, Florida, and was arrested by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, according to LCSO.

Her bond is set at $10,000.