Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the indictment and arrest of a former International Motor Sports Hall of Fame executive director.
According to a news release, Michael Raita, 67, of Chelsea, was charged with one count of use of public employment for personal gain. Officials said Raita turned himself in to the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office without incident.
The indictment follows an investigation by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division, which stemmed from an audit conducted by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts into the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame.
Authorities allege Raita used his position as executive director to place a 1968 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car owned by the Hall of Fame up for sale “as is” by bid, secure the winning bid for $15,000, and then have nearly $23,000 in repairs completed on the vehicle despite it being advertised “as is.”
If convicted, Raita faces up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The charge is classified as a Class B felony.
No additional details about the investigation or alleged crimes have been released at this time.
Attorney General Marshall thanked the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame for assisting in the investigation.
“An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
