June 30, 2015
Detroit - The Clinton Valley Little League is under investigation by the Michigan Gaming Control Board for possible Bingo Act violations after its former treasurer was sentenced last month for felony embezzlement of more than $100,000 of the organization’s funds. While the MGCB investigates, the Clinton Township youth sports organization may not conduct millionaire party fundraisers with casino-style games such as poker because of possible Bingo Act violations.
“Although the Clinton Valley Little League was an embezzlement victim, the organization must guarantee appropriate financial controls are in place and make certain money raised through millionaire parties is used properly,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director. “We are examining whether the organization followed state law and maintained gaming integrity.”
The organization’s former treasurer, Karen Dimitrie, 63, of Clinton Township, was sentenced last month to five years of probation and ordered to pay $165,000 in restitution and court costs. Macomb County Circuit Court Judge James Maceroni also ordered Dimitrie to avoid contact with the Little League group and barred her from entering casinos.
Dimitrie was arraigned in January and pled guilty in mid-March. The organization’s funds were embezzled for five years beginning in 2008. The case was investigated by the Clinton Township Police Department.
The Clinton Valley Little League has cooperated with the MGCB investigation. The organization became qualified for millionaire party licenses in 2009 and last hosted an event March 27, 2012.
This is the MGCB’s second recent investigation of possible Bingo Act violations by a Macomb County youth-related organization that conducted millionaire party poker. The agency also investigated the Switzer Elementary PTO in Shelby Township.
In May, Tracy Rhadigan, former treasurer of Switzer Elementary PTO, pled guilty to embezzlement and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years of probation.
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."
