Former Booker High athletic director and football head coach Carlos Woods is being investigated by the Sarasota Police Department for potential financial crimes, according to an emailed statement to the Herald-Tribune on Thursday Sept. 24.
"The investigation started with the Sarasota County School District, who then referred the investigation to the Sarasota Police Department," SPD Public Information Officer Genevieve Judge wrote. "Detectives are investigating potential financial crimes. 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 statements."
An three-month investigation completed by Sarasota
County Schools obtained by the Herald-Tribune on Wednesday, Sept. 23 included an audit showing Woods made 55 unapproved Avis car rentals costing the school $15,811.05 from March 2023 to March 2026. Some of the costs came from late fees and charges for returning vehicles to the wrong locations or with empty gas tanks. Woods was notified he'd be terminated in August, but he resigned in July instead.
On July 31, the SPD released a statement, reporting that Woods was under criminal investigation, but didn't specify the cause. Judge's statement on Thursday, Sept. 24, is the SPD's first update since July.
"Detectives have a specific investigative protocol in place," Judge wrote. "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."
Gregory Rumph, who served as Booker’s interim principal from April to May, reported Woods to Sarasota County Schools Human Resources on April 29, 2026, according to the investigation. Rumph alleged that Woods “might have misused School Board Funds,” stating that he was using Booker’s rental code — used for lower base rates, promotions and membership perks — and having the rentals billed directly to the school. That led to an investiagtion between May-July 2026.
On July 20, Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor sent Woods a certified letter alerting him of his termination being recommended at the school board's meeting on Aug. 18.
The Herald-Tribune confirmed Woods had stepped down as football coach and athletic director on July 23 and that he resigned as a school district employee on July 30.
After Woods' departure, more than 21 players left Booker and its varsity football season was canceled. Woods was replaced by head coach Lance Hoeltke on July 29. On Aug. 12, first-year Booker Principal Jamal Crook announced on Facebook that the school would only field a junior varsity team this season.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Police investigating former Booker coach Carlos Woods for financial crimes
