The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has arrested the president of the Irondale Youth Mounties Football and Cheerleading League.
Manuel (Trey) Chaney III was charged Monday with first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree sodomy.
"Irondale Youth Sports does not condone any form of violence. The safety and well-being of our youth is our top priority. We are committed to providing a high-quality youth experience sports program built on respect, accountability, and development. We hold the integirty of our staff to the highest standard and we are aware of the allegations brought against an affliate of the program. While we give this matter due process any question or concerns regarding Irondale Youth Sports you can reach out to our part commissioner Robert Tripp or assistant commissioner Anthony Simpson," Robert Tripp posted to social media.
In a interview with 1819 News, Tripp described Chaney's role as "mainly administrative," explaining that Chaney handled fundraising functions while he managed day-to-day operations with coaches and players.
Chaney served 70 months from 2013 until 2018 at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Montgomery. He pleaded guilty to access-device fraud and aggravated identity theft. At the time, he worked at the Social Security Administration's Bessemer office.
"He used his access to SSA records to identify recently deceased recipients of Social Security benefits from across the southeastern United States," a press release from the Department of Justice at the time of his sentencing.
He stole $325,000 to pay his own debts.
His social media account appears to show a close relationship with members of the city council and Mayor James Stewart, who appointed Chaney to the youth football league.
Stewart did not respond to a voicemail or text requesting comment.
Chaney was awarded the first Irondale Community Champions award in 2023 by the city council.
From 2022 to 2024, Chaney served on the board of The Irondale Sports Foundation. The foundation was registered to City Councilman John London; in addition to Cheney, the mayor's wife, Kimberly Stuart, also served on the board. London did not return a request for comment from 1819 News.
The Irondale Sports Foundation was dissolved by the city attorney, April Danielson, of Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt.
As the owner and senior fitness instructor/trainer at the I Am Love Fitness Training Center, Cheney has spoken openly about his arrest, incarceration and rehabilitation.
"[I want to] let people know, 'You are not an outcast,'" he said. "Here on Earth, we tend to [count people out]. … I've seen both sides. I understand what some [people] may be going or have gone through. … I believe that, regardless of what someone does, there is a way that we can bring God into their life. He is a way maker and can make it happen for whoever," Chaney told the Birmingham Times in a January 2024 interview.
Chaney is considered innocent until proven guilty.
*EDITORS NOTE: This story was updated to include additional information related to Chaney's role in the youth football program.*
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