Today, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Steven Gall sentenced 67-year-old Bobby Thompson for racketeering, money laundering, theft, and identity theft. He’s also been ordered to pay a $6 million fine, and to be placed into solitary confinement every Veterans Day.
Thompson’s scheme bilked donors in 41 states, including Ohio. He was charged with looting the United States Navy Veterans Association, a charity he ran in Tampa, Florida. After fleeing authorities, he was finally arrested last year in Portland, Oregon.
State Attorney General Mike DeWine – whose office prosecuted Thompson – says justice has been done. He adds that his staff will try to recover the donated money and make sure it goes to veterans, in the spirit it was given.
“Americans are very charitable," says DeWine. "They want to help their fellow man, they certainly always want to help their veterans. The fact you’ve a scam artist out there who was able to scam people in Ohio of over $2-million…and it shakes people’s faith in any legitimate group that calls.”
And while the prosecution originally wanted 41 years behind bars for Thompson, DeWine says the term handed down could, quote – “conceivably be a life sentence.”
Meanwhile, Thompson’s defense wants a new trial.
(Story by ideastream's Brian Bull)