PORTLAND - The Cumberland County grand jury has indicted a 48-year-old Casco man on charges of embezzling more than $4,000 from a youth soccer league.

Michael C. Cain, whose last known address is 19 Heritage Glenn, had served as the director for the Lake Region Youth Soccer League.

Phil Gutekunst, recreation director for Bridgton, said the league was formed in the early 1990s out of the four towns in SAD 61: Casco, Naples, Sebago and Bridgton.

The league hosts children in kindergarten through sixth-grade and is regulated by a representative body with delegates from the four towns. Gutekunst said Cain was a delegate and had been the league's director since the spring of 2006, although he has since stepped down.

"The money went to the central organization," Gutekunst said. "And in the past there's never been any issue or question."

The league is funded by registration fees and contributions from the towns.

According to a statement from Capt. Don Goulet of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, an investigation in December revealed the money was taken from a debit card belonging to the league. Gutekunst said the league will no longer use debit cards.

Gutekunst said the money has been paid back by an acquaintance of Cain's, and believes Cain will pay that individual back.

"The guy has worked his butt off" for various recreation leagues, Gutekunst said. "He's done a ton of work."

Gutekunst said he does not condone the theft, but praised Cain's work with the league. He said Cain volunteered to maintain the soccer fields and referee games for fifth- and sixth-graders.

"I hope he doesn't get crucified for it," Gutekunst said.

Gutekunst said the league will hold a meeting Thursday to determine how to change the financial structure of the organization to prevent future theft.

Goulet said an arraignment will be scheduled later.