Man Pleads Guilty In South Dakota Baseball Camp Scam

FROM KELOLAND.COM

A man accused of promoting a bogus baseball camp in South Dakota has pleaded guilty to grand theft by embezzlement.

Thirty-five-year-old Jason Anderson faces up to 20 years in prison and up to $40,000 in fines when he is sentenced on June 27.
Authorities say Anderson collected more than $20,000 from Rapid City parents last year for a baseball camp that never happened. He says he spent the money on drugs and gambling.

More than a year ago, Anderson, 35, persuaded area parents to pay him over $20,000 to give their children a spot on his traveling baseball team. The team was sold as an opportunity to give young players a chance to meet pro baseball players and increase their exposure. No team, however, was ever created, and Anderson disappeared.

In October, Anderson was arrested in Tipton County, Tenn., and was extradited back to South Dakota in January to face charges in Pennington and Meade counties.
Anderson, who was originally charged with five counts of grand theft by deception, pleaded guilty to two counts of grand theft by embezzlement in Pennington County. As part of the plea agreement, the other three grand theft charges were dropped.
According to Pennington County deputy state's attorney Scott Roetzel, Anderson said he preferred the term embezzlement to deception because Anderson had planned to start the baseball team. Anderson said in court Tuesday that he instead misused the money for cocaine and gambling.
Anderson could face 20 years in prison, 10 years for each count of grand theft by embezzlement. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution has agreed to ask for a five-year prison sentence with 15 years of probation.
Roetzel said all of the victims were consulted in crafting the plea agreement.
Anderson's attorney, Arnold Laubauch, said his client is responsible for more than $22,000 in restitution. If Anderson fails to pay the restitution during his probation period, he could be sent back to prison.
Anderson's sentencing is scheduled for 2 p.m. June 27 in front of Judge Janine M. Kern.
Anderson also allegedly swindled The Batter's Box out of $18,500 after promising to hold a baseball clinic and bring professional baseball players to Rapid City.
Jason Herz, the owner of The Batter's Box, filed a civil suit last summer against Anderson. Anderson never responded, and Herz won by default judgment. Herz said Tuesday that he expects a resolution in the civil case once the criminal case is closed.