Ex-swim club head sentenced for embezzling

A former Delaware County aquatics director was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months to three years in state prison for embezzling $112,000 from a swim club.

Jose Sotillo, 34, of Pottstown, pleaded guilty in February to stealing the money from Suburban Swim Club of Newtown Square between March 2007 and December 2008. The thefts put the company in serious financial trouble; the building was foreclosed and sold at sheriff's sale.

Sotillo wrote checks for cash to himself and his Internet marketing business and used the club credit cards without authorization. He told Judge Barry C. Dozor his intention was to help make money for the club. In addition, Sotillo must pay restitution to the club and serve 10 years probation. - Mari A. Schaefer