A preliminary hearing scheduled for former Plum Borough Athletic Association president Richard Claypoole has been continued.

Claypoole's hearing originally had been scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed due to his health, according to a secretary at Plum District Justice Linda Zucco's office. This is the fourth time his hearing has been continued.

The Allegheny County District Attorney's office has charged Claypoole with theft by deception; and misapplication of entrusted property and property of government or financial institutions.

Claypoole is accused of making $213,594.74 worth of payments to himself and his business, Richmar—the company provided equipment to the PBAA and was operated out of Claypoole's home—with PBAA funds between 2008 and 2011. Payments to Richmar totaled $89,248.

Claypoole is said to have purchased items for the PBAA from vendors at a lower price and then increasing the price to benefit himself.

According to a criminal complaint filed by the DA's office, Claypoole increased prices of items purchased through vendors by $18,095 "to benefit himself and not for the benefit of the association."

Claypoole's new hearing is scheduled for May 23 at 9 a.m.

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