NORMAL, Ill. – Kyle W. Myers, the former president of the State Farm Holiday Classic, has been indicted on charges of stealing over $100,000 from the nonprofit organization that operates the annual high school basketball tournament in Bloomington-Normal.
Myers, 39, of Normal, pleaded not guilty in court on Friday. He faces a Class 1 felony charge of theft exceeding $100,000 but less than $500,000. The alleged theft occurred over a two-year period from April 2022 through July 2024.
If convicted, Myers could face up to 15 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. He has been released from custody pending trial, with no objection from the prosecution.
The charge follows a grand jury indictment and an investigation launched by Bloomington Police in August 2024. Normal Police arrested Myers based on a BPD warrant.
Although specific details of the alleged theft have not been disclosed, the organization previously reported “unauthorized, inappropriate, or fraudulent transactions” that led to significant revenue losses.
The State Farm Holiday Classic, founded in 1975, is one of the largest co-ed high school basketball tournaments in the country, hosting 64 teams annually. Games are played at Illinois Wesleyan University and local high schools, with State Farm serving as the title sponsor since 1999.
In addition to the tournament, the organization also awards college scholarships to participating student-athletes.
Myers is being represented by attorney Joshua Rinker. A statement from his legal team is pending.
