A Reno youth basketball nonprofit uncovered that $40,000 earmarked for a new court had been moved into the personal account of Jared Deveraux, 51, prompting an immediate police report and a federal investigation.
A checkered financial history
Deveraux is no stranger to fraud. In 2021 he completed a five‑year prison term for stealing money from roofing‑company clients, a conviction that followed an earlier embezzlement scheme. His recent arrest marks the latest chapter in a pattern of misusing public trust for personal gain.
According to the nonprofit, the $40,000 was wired to Deveraux’s account to purchase a used basketball court that would have cost $65,000 in total. The equipment never arrived, and the organization soon realized the funds had been diverted.
Legal repercussions and community response
After the discrepancy was discovered, Reno Tropics filed a police report, contacted the FBI, and alerted Deveraux’s Idaho parole officer. He is currently being held on a fugitive charge with a $50,000 bond and a no‑bond hold for possible Idaho state custody. Extradition proceedings are underway, and the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office is preparing additional charges.
The nonprofit has turned to the public for help, launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise roughly $200,000 needed to replace the missing court equipment. The campaign reflects the community’s determination to recover from the setback and to ensure that youth basketball programs remain viable.