Two key figures behind a large charity scam linked to stadium concession stands have admitted guilt in federal court. Martin Rebollo and Noly Ilarde pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after operating a fake charity scheme that generated millions of dollars.
According to court documents, the pair ran a fraudulent organization called Chula Vista Fast Pitch, claiming it was a charity softball league that supplied volunteers to work concession stands at Petco Park and Snapdragon Stadium. Under stadium policies, nonprofit groups can staff concession stands and typically receive around 10 percent of the revenue to support charitable work.
However, prosecutors said the charity never actually existed. Instead of volunteers, Rebollo and Ilarde hired workers and paid them about $50 per game in cash. The remaining earnings from the concession stands were allegedly divided between the two men.
Investigators found that the scheme generated approximately $3.75 million in revenue. Between 2016 and 2023 alone, Petco Park’s concession operator Delaware North paid roughly $3.5 million to the pair.
The fraudulent operation expanded significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic, when stadiums struggled to find volunteers willing to work during the public health crisis. Prosecutors say the situation created an opportunity for the scheme to grow.
In 2022, Ilarde allegedly failed to report about $1.4 million in income on his tax returns. Rebollo also admitted to filing false tax returns and committing Social Security fraud after collecting disability benefits while earning income from the operation.
Authorities say Rebollo personally gained more than $1.5 million and has agreed to repay about $540,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. Ilarde admitted to receiving more than $550,000, though his plea deal does not include repayment to the IRS because he was not charged with tax fraud.
The case began after investigative reporting exposed the suspicious charity operations in 2023, prompting a federal investigation that confirmed the fraud.
Rebollo is scheduled to be sentenced in June, while Ilarde is expected to be sentenced in late May.
