The former commander of American Legion Post 744 is accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from the organization since 2019. Fifty-eight-year-old Michael McKinnis is being charged with theft, misuse of credit cards and forgery.An audit uncovered embezzlement back in September 2022 after a local business held a raffle for the post and requested proof of how the donations were spent.McKinnis refused to turn in the receipts.The audit revealed that the money was spent on college football games, amusement park season passes and personal expenses.A GoFundMe page has been set up for those who would like to help with the rebuilding effort. For more, click here.New commander Daniel Brownfield released a statement, saying the financial situation remains grave, but an outpouring of support from members is allowing them to sustain."We have started the recovery process and will continue to push forward. My hopes are the community will stand behind us as we strive to rebuild. I want to thank the financial officer, CPD, and Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office for bringing this case forward. We will continue to grow and proudly represent the veterans of our community," Brownfield said.In a news conference on Friday, Brownfield said the organization was able to obtain all their bank statements from 2018 to present, and conducted the audit using an outside organization.Brownfield also stated that McKinnis was using a Legion debit card to make the transactions. He also spoke about the importance of American Legion to veterans and the impact it can have on their lives."It's very, very important. This is where veterans like myself and my fellow brothers and sisters can come. And we have the camaraderie. We all have something in common and we all put our lives on the line for this country. And that was all I had," Brownfield said.
The former commander of American Legion Post 744 is accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from the organization since 2019.
Fifty-eight-year-old Michael McKinnis is being charged with theft, misuse of credit cards and forgery.
An audit uncovered embezzlement back in September 2022 after a local business held a raffle for the post and requested proof of how the donations were spent.
McKinnis refused to turn in the receipts.
The audit revealed that the money was spent on college football games, amusement park season passes and personal expenses.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for those who would like to help with the rebuilding effort. For more, click here.
New commander Daniel Brownfield released a statement, saying the financial situation remains grave, but an outpouring of support from members is allowing them to sustain.
"We have started the recovery process and will continue to push forward. My hopes are the community will stand behind us as we strive to rebuild. I want to thank the financial officer, CPD, and Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office for bringing this case forward. We will continue to grow and proudly represent the veterans of our community," Brownfield said.
In a news conference on Friday, Brownfield said the organization was able to obtain all their bank statements from 2018 to present, and conducted the audit using an outside organization.
Brownfield also stated that McKinnis was using a Legion debit card to make the transactions.
He also spoke about the importance of American Legion to veterans and the impact it can have on their lives.
"It's very, very important. This is where veterans like myself and my fellow brothers and sisters can come. And we have the camaraderie. We all have something in common and we all put our lives on the line for this country. And that was all I had," Brownfield said.
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