The former football coach of Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida, Carlos Woods, is accused of misusing more than $16,000 in funds over several years for personal travel. Woods was terminated as head coach and athletic director earlier this year after unspecified allegations were brought against him.
Those allegations have now become clearer as Fox 13 News now reports that an extensive school district investigation alleges that Carlos Woods made thousands of dollars in unauthorized rental car charges without district knowledge or authorization.
Gregory Rumph, Booker High School’s interim principal, reportedly discovered the unapproved rental charges in April and reported suspected misappropriation of funds to human resources.
According to an audit, one car with 7,811 miles and 51 consecutive billed days between September 21, 2025, and November 10, 2025 was among the rentals Woods held for 8 to 19 days.
“Supporting student-athletes matters, but it must be done with financial accountability, the necessary approvals, and respect for the public’s trust. These expectations apply to all employees, regardless of position or level of success,” the Sarasota County Schools Superintendent said in a statement, adding, “The report also raises questions about financial oversight and why these costs were incurred. Accountability means examining how concerns are identified, reported, and addressed.”
An investigation led the police to begin looking at possible financial crimes
According to a 75-page report, Woods violated district anti-fraud policies, transported students in private vehicles, used professional privileges for personal gain, and acted dishonestly in professional dealings.
Woods told investigators that, as the athletic director, he frequently made reservations for rental cars because district vans were outdated, hazardous, and unreliable. He also acknowledged utilizing district-paid cars for personal travel, such as a trip to Los Angeles during the Christmas break to see a UCLA basketball game without students present.
Potential financial crimes are being investigated by the Sarasota Police Department.
“As part of the investigation, detectives need to gather information from all sides and thoroughly review the available evidence, including bank records, credit card statements and additional financial documents,” the department said in a statement.
“That process takes time. Detectives have a specific investigative protocol in place, and the goal is to be as thorough and meticulous as possible in reviewing the facts and evidence before making any decision about whether criminal charges will be filed with the State Attorney’s Office.”
Former Booker High School football coach Carlos Woods has a checkered past
In August, Venice High School’s season opener against Booker High School was canceled just days before preseason camp began. That late cancellation resulted from a criminal investigation into Carlos Woods.
Booker High School went 13-2 in Woods’ first and only season, finishing one game shy of a Florida state championship appearance. After his dismissal, more than 20 players left the program.
Around a week later, Booker High School was placed on football probation and hit with a $500 fine for a spring practice violation under Woods’ leadership. The team reportedly let eight graders practice with high school students in the spring.
Before becoming head football coach at Booker High, Carlos Woods ran into issues at two California colleges
At one school, he was placed on leave and then resigned after 17 players shared a three-bedroom house and received impermissible housing and dining benefits.
At another school, he was again placed on administrative leave for allegedly convincing 30 players to live in a three-bedroom apartment, collecting rent from the athletes but not paying it to the landlord.
He was also accused of recruiting out-of-state players — prohibited at the time by the California Community College Athletic Association — and allowed them to compete in games.