Sarasota Police Investigated Former Athletic Director
Authorities are reviewing financial records after a school audit found unauthorized car rentals totaling over $15,000.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The Sarasota Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into former Booker High athletic director Carlos Woods regarding the potential misuse of school board funds. A district audit revealed Woods allegedly charged 55 unapproved car rentals to the school between 2023 and 2026.
Why it matters
The investigation stems from allegations that Woods used a school rental code for personal benefits, leading to significant financial loss for the district. The subsequent resignation of Woods and the cancellation of the Booker High varsity football season have caused substantial disruption to the local school community.
A school district audit identified 55 unapproved rentals totaling $15,811.05, while detectives currently review bank records and credit card statements. The investigation is ongoing to determine if charges will be filed.
The players
Carlos Woods
He is the former athletic director at Booker High School who resigned amid allegations of financial misconduct.
Gregory Rumph
He is the interim principal at Booker High School who reported the potential misuse of funds to authorities.
Sarasota Police Department
This is the law enforcement agency responsible for conducting the active criminal investigation into the financial activities of Woods.
Booker High School
This is the local educational institution that experienced the cancellation of its varsity football season following these events.
The details
Interim principal Gregory Rumph reported the potential misconduct to authorities in April 2026 after discovering that Woods billed car rental costs directly to the school. Following his resignation on July 30, 2026, the school district canceled the varsity football season, resulting in more than 21 players departing from Booker High School.
Timeline
March 2023 to March 2026: Woods allegedly made 55 unapproved car rentals.
April 29, 2026: Gregory Rumph reported Woods for potential fund misuse.
July 30, 2026: Carlos Woods resigned as a school district employee.
July 31, 2026: The Sarasota Police Department released a statement regarding the criminal investigation.
September 24, 2026: The Sarasota Police Department provided an update on the ongoing investigation.
Legal Context
This criminal inquiry follows the protocols of the 2026 Sarasota County Schools internal audit mandate, which focuses on identifying and reporting institutional financial irregularities. Such investigations reflect broader efforts by school districts to increase oversight of athletic department spending.
The cancellation of the varsity football season has disrupted local school sports and impacted the academic and extracurricular paths of over 21 student-athletes. Residents and parents are currently awaiting further findings from the police department as the investigation into school fund misuse proceeds.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of rigorous financial oversight within school athletic departments to protect public funds. It serves as a reminder that unauthorized use of institutional resources can lead to severe operational consequences for the entire student body.
Further reading
For more information on regional oversight, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
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