The South Meck. Both Sharper and his wife are charged with wire fraud which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This project envisaged the construction of a large new international terminal, similar in specifications to the newly built terminal at Kharkiv International Airport. Deana Sharper pleaded guilty to wire fraud. The following are 10 of the more than 30 cases of booster club embezzlement that have been litigated or reported in just the last year: A former school clerk for the Perrysburg (Ohio) Schools was sentenced to 10 years in prison for embezzling over a five-year period more than $800,000 from the high school athletics booster club and from the school monies he used to support a lavish lifestyle that included a large house, luxury cars, a motorhome, a luxury suite at Ohio State football games, and even gifts to the schools sports program a new football stadium scoreboard and baseball facility sound system donated using some of the very funds he had stolen from the program and school. He was also ordered to pay a money judgement of $310,832.80. According to court records, to cover up the theft and to enrich himself, between March and May 2020, Anthony Sharper submitted three fraudulent applications for federal COVID-19 relief funds, including two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications, one in the name of the Booster Club and one in the name of his accounting firm, A. Cash controls are of paramount importance in reducing the opportunity to steal; when cash is received, two people should count it and reconciliation paperwork should be signed by each. [5], The following airlines operate regular scheduled and charter services to and from Dnipro International Airport:[10], As of 24 February 2022, all passenger flights have been suspended indefinitely. They wired funds directly to their personal bank account and used the booster clubs debit cards and credit card to pay for personal expenditures, like a trip to London and Charlotte Hornets tickets, according to an indictment. A Charlotte couple was sentenced Monday after they stole $239,000 from a high school's booster club. They are very nice people and as the legal process runs its course, everybody will find out more.. Mecklenburg jailer was fired after an altercation with an inmate. Financial Pressure:When combined with opportunity, some type of financial burden real or perceived is a common incentive for committing fraud. The indictment also alleges the couple used Booster Club debit cards to make purchases in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia, and London, England. According to a federal indictment, the Sharpers wrote more than $100,000 in checks from the Booster Club Account to themselves, often with false notations for reimbursements. Panthers reach consensus on No. As a new school year begins and activities of all types launch new seasons, including sports, band, theatre, choir, debate, forensics, academic clubs and other student organizations, booster clubs established to financially support such endeavors will also launch new seasons of fundraising campaigns. The indictment says the charges were tracked to Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia and London, England. + Caption. He was also ordered to pay $310,832. For this reason, South Meck Sports Boosters is grateful for the thorough investigation completed by law enforcement., 90.7 Charlotte 93.7 Southern Pines The government will pursue a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of at least $436,000, which the government contends constitutes the proceeds of the violations alleged in the charging document. He was also ordered to pay out more than$310,000. (WATCH BELOW: Messed up: Couple accused of strealing $200K from South Meck HS booster club), Messed up: Couple accused of stealing $200K from South Meck HS booster club. Wayne Hedin, of Waxhaw, was arrested for one count of embezzlement by public officer/trustee on Wednesday, following a month-long . Much of the rest, he used for unlawful business or personal expenses, prosecutors say, including almost $20,000 to buy a 2019 Honda Civic. Anthony Sharpers plea agreement, which surfaced in federal court on Wednesday, offers few additional details. Federal prosecutors say 39-year-old Anthony Sharper. Ive met with both of the Sharpers and theyre very nice people, said Christopher Young, the attorney for Anthony Sharper whose offices are based in Washington, D.C. Lets let the legal process run its course. He spent two summers as Bikin Mike, filing stories as he pedaled across the Carolinas. Couple sentenced after stealing $239K from South Meck HS booster club. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to their 13-page indictment, the Sharpers played the long game. The president of a Charlotte high school booster club and his wife were indicted on federal charges for stealing more than $200,000 from the organization and fraudulently obtaining COVID-19. A new start time has been set, Parents say south Charlotte CMS plan gives me nightmares. Heres whats driving worries, A mothers excruciating wait for justice in her daughters death just got longer. That May, the indictment claims, he used $40,000 of the loans on South Mecks playing fields, painting the offices of the schools coaches, and purchasing sports equipment. A well-known observation about breaches of trust, the origin of which has never been conclusively established but is often attributed to Mark Twain, is that the saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from an enemy, but rather it always comes from a friend or trusted ally. Prosecutors say Anthony and Deana Sharper slowly took charge of the clubs finances and leeched its accounts for years. After receiving the funds, Sharper is accused of using the money to pay for personal expenses and cover up the couple's theft from the booster club. 2023 Cox Media Group. The funds were intended for existing businesses harmed by the coronavirus pandemic. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine closed airspace to civilian flights due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What we know. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. He's also charged with two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property and two counts of filing a false tax return. Florida man got $1.9M in PPP money, used it to buy new Mercedes, prosecutors say, WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), ALSO READ: Popular east Charlotte restaurant owner, son charged with COVID relief fraud, ALSO READ: NC man charged with fraud in Game of Thrones themed virus aid scheme, ALSO READ: Charlotte woman went shopping with $150K virus relief loan, prosecutors say, Charlotte bride killed, husband seriously hurt in wedding night crash, Bikinis, booze & bikes: Myrtle Beach rules to know ahead of summer, Helpless: Video shows shooting from car toward crowded park in Villa Heights, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Anthony Sharper and Deana Sharper are facing multiple charges for allegedly stealing more than $200,000 from the South Mecklenburg booster club. They gradually gained influence and control over the booster clubs affairs to the point that by 2019, they were the only authorized signatories on the checking account. Deana Sharper was ordered to serve 21 months in prison with two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $239,742. NewsNow brings you the latest news from the world's most trusted sources on Dnipro. Ukraine closes airspace to civilian flights amid Russian military action. Anthony Sharper is also charged with tax fraud for failing to report any of the embezzled funds on the couple's joint tax returns in 2018 and 2019. He previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property and tax fraud. If you previously used a social network to login to WRAL.com, click the Forgot your password link to reset your password. Starting a Student Athletic Council in Your School, Booster Club Embezzlement: Legal Issues, Preventive Strategies. Woman sentenced in South Carolina booster club embezzlement case by: Sophia Radebaugh. One of those was one in the name of the booster club and one was in the name of his accounting firm, A. field59.ipo = { For instance, oftentimes, a sole booster club official is entrusted with the organizations entire financial process, including the deposit of cash into bank accounts, the issuance of checks to vendors and the reconciliation of all transactions in the clubs books. March gardening guide: What plants and vegetables can you plant this month? NewsNow aims to be the world's most accurate and comprehensive Dnipro news aggregator, bringing you the latest headlines automatically and continuously 24/7. Seek the volunteer services of an independent accountant who will donate time as a friend of the organization to conduct periodic audits of the booster clubs books and ensure that proper accounting procedures are adhered to by the clubs treasurer and other officials. The funds were intended for existing businesses damaged by the coronavirus pandemic. Prosecutors also say he applied to the Small Business Administration for an economic injury disaster loan. Booster officials say the organization was contacted by law enforcement, and they have been cooperating during the investigation. Anthony Sharper, 42, served as the interim president and treasurer for South Mecklenburg High Schools Athletic Booster Club and his wife, Deana Sharper, 47, ran the concession stand and school store. Also read: Couple convicted after stealing $239,000 from South Meck High's booster club. Sharper CPA, PLLC and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of his CPA firm. The couple has been charged with wire fraud, which has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Both defendants were released on bond and will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving their sentence upon designation of a federal facility. Ensure that appropriate accounting and record-keeping procedures are in place and being adhered to and that all computer files containing the clubs corporate book and financial records are backed up so that they do not exist merely on one club officials computer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley does not make a sentencing recommendation to the judge and acknowledges that the parties are still arguing over the amount of financial loss tied to Sharpers crimes. The husband's punishment included receiving over $236,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to cover the theft. We only have half the story right now., Click here to sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletter. Federal authorities said Anthony Sharper was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Details, Posted October 25, 2022 11:59 a.m. EDTUpdated October 25, 2022 1:30 p.m. EDT. Email: [email protected] | Twitter: @southmeckSB | Address: 8900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 SOUTH MECK SPORTS BOOSTERS ALL-SPORTS PASSES ARE BACK! According to the indictment, all three applications contained false information, including fake revenues and fake payroll and employment data. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story. RELATED: He lost $7,000 in a phone scam, and it could have been stopped before it went too far. After receiving the loan proceeds, Anthony Sharper, 42, used the funds to pay for personal expenditures and to cover up the couple's theft from the Mecklenburg High School Athletic booster club, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Anthony, who is a certified public accountant, is also accused of falsely applying for paycheck protection funds. In 2016, Jamie Kaye Parker was arrested after being accused of embezzling thousands of dollars between January 2015 through April 2016 from the Bridge Creek Takedown Booster Club while serving as treasurer. Solo Nebraska Cheerleader Steals the Show at Cheer and Dance Champion. Rationalization:Fraudsters typically rationalize to justify their dishonest actions as somehow not being in violation of normative codes of ethical conduct, often by adopting a mindset that they are only borrowing the money, that they will soon repay any diverted funds, that they are taking such a small amount that no one will be harmed, that they have to steal because of financial pressures beyond their control, that their thievery will only be temporary and will end as soon as their financial pressures subside, that they are being dishonest only because they desire to better support their families, or that they are entitled to the money because of their hard work for the organization. Sharper CPA, PLLC, and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of his CPA firm. ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) A New Mexico man has been sentenced to nearly a year in prison after he pleaded no contest in the theft of thousands of dollars for a high school football booster club. According to South Mecklenburg High School Sports Boosters, following the resignation of Anthony and Deana Sharper from the Boosters board, irregular transactions were identified and brought to the attention of our bank representative.. According to allegations contained in the eight-count indictment, between 2017 and June 2020, Anthony Sharper, 39, and Deana Sharper, 45, both of Charlotte, executed a scheme to defraud and embezzle at least $200,000 from a Charlotte-area high school Athletic Booster Club by writing checks to themselves for purported reimbursement, wiring funds directly to their personal bank account, and using the Booster Clubs debit cards and credit card to pay for personal expenditures. In some cases, according to the indictment, their raids on the booster money grew increasingly lavish $5,000 for Hornets tickets; almost $850 on meals at Ruths Chris; more than $20,000 in cash and ATM withdrawals. North Carolina couple was sentenced to prison this week for embezzling $239,000 from a Charlotte high school's booster club. One of the applications was in the name of the booster club and the other was in the name of his accounting firm, A. Lets not totally place blame on people until we know whats going on. A Guide to Reducing Your Health Care Costs, Breaking Barriers: Challenges and opportunities for Latino students, EQUALibrium: An exploration of race and equity in Charlotte, Falling short: Why Democrats keep losing most statewide races, EQUALibrium Live: Conversations on Race & Equity, NPR's Founding Mothers In Conversation With WFAE's Lisa Worf, CMS board keeps piling on tough tasks. All rights reserved. Abigail Saunderson, her mother says, never knew the pain pill she took in September was laced with the opioid thats 100 times as powerful as morphine. Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week? According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, his three applications relied on fake revenue, payroll and employment numbers, leading to Sharper receiving almost a quarter of million dollars in aid from Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The couple face decades behind bars, and more than $1 million in fines. According to investigators, he tried to cover up the theft by using COVID-19 relief loans that he fraudulently obtained. A husband and wife who are accused of embezzling at least $200,000 from the South Mecklenburg High School booster club are expected to plead guilty in federal court in the coming days.. 60 Couple Sentenced After Stealing $239K from South Meck High's Booster Club October 25, 2022 WCCB Staff CHARLOTTE, N.C. (From Press Release) The former president of a Charlotte high school Booster Club and his wife were sentenced to prison Monday for stealing more than $239,000 from the organization. The indictment says Sharper obtained more than $236,000 in relief funds intended for businesses harmed by the pandemic. Annual passenger traffic at DNK airport. In fact, the antecedent level of unquestioning faith and confidence in those who go on to commit such thefts is almost always cited as a key factor contributing to the lax policies and procedures that provided an opportunity for malfeasance to occur. Anthony Sharper, who is a certified public accountant, then tried to cover up the theft by using COVID-19 relief loans that he fraudulently obtained, according to investigators. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The husband, who attempted to cover up their tracks with COVID-19 . The Alamogordo Daily News reports Albert "Vincent" Flores Jr. was sentenced last week and ordered to pay $10,388.60 in restitution . What punishment the Sharpers face remains unclear. Yet often, the stolen monies cannot be replaced, resulting in students being deprived of benefits such as the opportunity to travel to compete or perform; to be provided with equipment, instruments or other resources beyond those which the school can afford; to secure financial assistance to mitigate pay-to-participate fees; to receive booster club-provided college scholarships; or to obtain any of the extensive variety of other badly needed forms of support that would have been made possible by the club funds that were stolen. Carlstrom did not respond to an Observer email Thursday seeking comment. Both defendants were released on bond and will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving their sentence upon designation of a federal facility. Sharper CPA PLLC. How we got here, what's new and why they face resistance, Islanders extend series with Game 5 win over Canes, Young? He spent another $25,000 to pay down the outstanding balance on the booster club credit card. US government tracking more than 650 potential UFO cases, Massive flames erupt from attic of Clayton home, Shaw University alumni divided over plans to update campus, build high-rise towers, WRAL Weather Alert Day: Timeline and maps for severe weather's arrival. As those philanthropic efforts begin, school administrators and booster club officials need to develop and implement proactive strategies to prevent what has become a problem of increasing dimension nationwide: the misappropriation of club funds by the very individuals entrusted with the moral and fiduciary duties of ensuring that all monies raised are used exclusively to support the education-oriented mission of those organizations. A North Carolina couple was jailed this week for embezzling $239,000 from a Charlotte high school's booster club. Court documents also show that Anthony Sharper, a certified public accountant, also committed tax fraud by failing to report any embezzled funds on the couple's joint 2018 and 2019 tax returns. The ultimate decision falls to U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn, who will sentence the couple at a later date. UNION COUNTY, N.C. A former high school booster club treasurer was arrested Wednesday on an embezzlement charge, the Union County Sheriff's . For this reason, South Meck Sports Boosters is grateful for the thorough investigation completed by law enforcement., (WATCH: Florida man got $1.9M in PPP money, used it to buy new Mercedes, prosecutors say), Florida man got $1.9M in PPP money, used it to buy new Mercedes, prosecutors say (NCD). For this reason, South Meck Sports Boosters is grateful for the thorough investigation completed by law enforcement. Sharper resigned from his position and that is when booster board members discovered irregular transactions on the books. As a result of the fraudulent applications, the indictment alleges that Anthony Sharper obtained more than $236,000 in COVID-19 relief funds intended for existing businesses harmed by the coronavirus pandemic. Husband, wife indicted for stealing $200K from Charlotte high school athletics booster, Coroner IDs victim in deadly crash with golf cart, Woman facing DUI charges, Charlotte auto shop owner sentenced to prison for falsifying emisson inspections, Rowan man charged with kidnapping ex-girlfriend, demanding ransom, Lives are in danger as N.C. nursing home inspections lag, North Carolina obscenity bill gets OK in Senate vote, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video, INDICTMENT against Anthony and Deana Sharper. Anthony Sharper is also charged with two counts of making false statements to a financial institution, which carry a maximum prison term of 30 years and a $1 million fine per count; making a false statement to SBA, for which the maximum statutory penalty is 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine; two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, which carry a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $500,000 fine per count; and two counts of filing a false tax return, which carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count. Sunny but still cool temperatures on tap as we enter May, 'The smell is absolutely horrendous': Small towns want company to clean up roadway animal waste spills, GOP lawmakers want to pay for students' private education. He was also ordered to pay out more than$310,000. As alleged the indictment, to cover up the theft and to enrich himself, between March and May 2020, Anthony Sharper submitted three fraudulent applications for federal COVID-19 relief funds, including two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications, one in the name of the Booster Club and one in the name of his accounting firm, A. In addition to this, foreign airlines have found it difficult to gain access to Dnipro as a result of Dniproavia's protectionist policies along routes to and from the airport. Tuesday morning, shes scheduled to plead to one count of wire fraud scheme to defraud the booster club the lone charge on her indictment. A husband and wife who are accused of embezzling at least $200,000 from the South Mecklenburg High School booster club are expected to plead guilty in federal court in the coming days. A dangerous one. 2023 Cox Media Group. US Attorneys said that between 2017 and June 2020, the couple executed a scheme to defraud and embezzle $239,000 from the club by writing checks to themselves for purported reimbursement. Never allow one person to have end-to-end control over cash. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020 the completion of a new runway and terminal was foreseen for late 2022 or early 2023. A married couple was sent to prison on Monday for stealing over $200,000 in funds from the South Mecklenburg High School Athletic Booster Club in Charlotte. Christopher Young, a Washington attorney representing Anthony Sharper, confirmed some of the details of his clients new plea agreement with prosecutors but otherwise did not comment. Updated: Nov 19, 2020 / 06:33 AM EST. That's when they discovered that Yannaki had transferred . She has led newsrooms at KUNC in Greely, CO, Rhode Island Public Radio in Providence, RI and WHQR in Wilmington, NC. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Catherine Welch is Assistant News Director at WFAE. Anthony Sharper also faces charges of making false statements to a financial institution, making a false statement to the SBA and filing false tax returns. They also used clubs credit and debit cards to run up thousands of dollars in personal expenses in six states as well as during a trip to London, the indictment shows. According to filed court documents, between 2017 and June 2020, Anthony Sharper and Deana Sharper executed a scheme to defraud and embezzle at least $239,000 from South Meck high school Athletic Booster Club by writing checks to themselves for purported reimbursement, wiring funds directly to their personal bank account, and using the Booster Clubs debit cards and credit card to pay for personal expenditures. Speech, Debate & Theatre Directors & Judges, Changes in High School Wrestling Rules Include Allowance of Six Matches in One Day of Competition, Ephesus Sports Lighting Renews Corporate Partnership with NFHS, NFHS Learning Center Adding Middle School Coaching Course, Credential Program, World Drumming Can Fit into Any School Music Program, Recommending Summer Speech and Debate Camp for Students. Anthony Sharper previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, and tax fraud. Drug dog leads police to major bust and arrest of Charlotte man, Driver dies while being dragged hundreds of feet under truck trailer, SC coroner says, Rock Hill woman sentenced in I-77 DUI crash that killed 4, including her daughter. A married couple was sent to prison on Monday for stealing over $200,000 in funds from the South Mecklenburg High School Athletic Booster Club in Charlotte. According to the indictment, the offenses occurred between 2017 and June 2020. After receiving the loan proceeds, Anthony Sharper used the funds to pay for personal expenditures and to cover up the couples theft of the Booster Clubs funds. In May 2020, Anthony Sharper emailed booster club members a screen shot showing a $150,283 balance in the club account. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Justice Department says he used that money to cover his and his wife's tracks. In 2020, Anthony Sharper filed for federal pandemic-related economic relief for both the booster club and his own accounting firm. Feb 28, 2008. Did she deserve it? The Sharpers were indicted in May. Mandate that all monies collected from any fundraising activity immediately be deposited into a bank drop box and that no booster club member is ever to take cash home. He is a member of the High School Today Publications Committee. Federal authorities said Anthony Sharper was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. [4] On 10 April 2022 a Russian attack completely destroyed the airport and the infrastructure nearby. All rights reserved. Deana Sharper also of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 21 months in prison and two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a money judgment of $239,742.80. The husband's sentence included him obtaining over $236,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to cover the theft. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) -The president of a Charlotte high school Booster Club and his wife were indicted on charges of stealing more than $200,000 from the booster club. Between 2017 and June 2020, the couple executed a scheme to defraud at least $239,000 from the South Meck booster club by writing . In order to break the fraud triangle and minimize the chances of embezzlement by a school official or club officer, booster organizations should consider implementing some basic guidelines and procedures: Do not allow one person to handle all of a clubs financial processes. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine closed airspace to civilian flights due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Visit ESPN to view the latest Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk news, scores, stats, standings, rumors, and more }; CHARLOTTE, N.C. (From Press Release) The former president of a Charlotte high school Booster Club and his wife were sentenced to prison Monday for stealing more than $239,000 from the organization. Anthony Sharpers crimes combined carry up to 60 years in prison and $2 million in fines again, far more than what Cogburn is expected to hand down. Dnipro International Airport (Ukrainian: ) (IATA: DNK, ICAO: UKDD) was an airport serving Dnipro, a city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine.It is located 15 kilometres (9 mi; 8 nmi) southeast from the city center. CHARLOTTE, N.C. The president of a Charlotte high school booster club and his wife were indicted on federal charges for stealing more than $200,000 from the organization and fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief loans to cover up the crime, the United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday. Copyright 2022 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. Anthony Sharper previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, and tax fraud. how to file a noise complaint in austin texas,