| Bowling treasurer pleads guilty, pays $15,472 restitution |
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| Written by BILL RYAN/Sentinel Staff Writer | ||
| Tuesday, 24 July 2012 12:54 | ||
Duane L. McGorty, 47, of Toledo, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of theft and paid the clerk’s office $15,472 to reimburse the bowlers in the league for their stolen prize money. Judge Robert Pollex ordered the stipulated restitution amount and ordered McGorty to spend 120 days in jail, suspending 60 of those on the condition he have no further offenses. He must also pay a $1,000 fine and court costs. Wood County assistant prosecuting attorney Gwen Howe-Gebers explained the agreement to the judge. Originally charged as a fifth-degree felony offense, the charge was reduced to a first-degree misdemeanor, in part, because he had complete and total restitution in hand. The maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail. Howe-Gebers asked the judge to order 120 days noting the reduced charge was attributable to having the total restitution to be paid. Defense attorney David Klucas noted his client’s professional license and obligations and prior to sentencing asked for considerations including work release and furloughs or other division of the sentence so that McGorty could meet his professional obligations. McGorty was treasurer of the Ken Scheffert Memorial Trio bowling league at Rossford Lanes. Unlike others who have been similarly charged, McGorty fully admitted his guilt prior to being charged. Court documents indicate on April 4, when the league bowlers were expecting to receive the end-of-season prize money, instead they were read a letter from the treasurer admitting he did not have their money. Part of that letter read, “I will repay all of the money.” He has now fulfilled that promise. When given the opportunity to address the court, McGorty stated, “I am extremely sorry for what I’ve done.” He added he wanted to be sure the bowlers got their money as soon as possible. In issuing the sentence, the judge granted the work release as well as a request to begin the sentence on Wednesday. Klucas was to provide the court and the jail with dates when McGorty would need to meet his professional obligations. Pollex stated, despite the agreement and the restitution being paid, “this remains a violation of the law and violation of the trust placed in you. There needs to be punishment beyond the restitution.” He also placed McGorty on informal probation and gave him a year to pay the court costs and fine. The United States Bowling Congress could impose its own sanctions for violation of his position of authority within the league. |
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 July 2012 09:34 |
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