(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — One of the premier not-for-profit gay and lesbian sports organizations in the Midwest is suing its former treasurer for allegedly misappropriating at least $160,000 during his tenure.
The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association, which had pre-pandemic membership of 4,000, is suing the man who was its treasurer for eight years.
The lawsuit accuses Michael Rice of fraud.
Association spokesperson Jeremiah Stevens says they’ve found suspect checks going back several years.
“At least five or six. And there are some suspect checks as early as his first year as treasurer,” Stevens said
Rice is believed to have misappropriated at least $160,000, he said.
Things came to light after Rice lost a bid for re-election as treasurer last year, and Rice tried to conceal what he’d been doing, Stevens said.
The leadership of CMSA is all-volunteer, he noted.
“That makes this especially hurtful, both to the other board members who trust one another to do the right thing and to support the organization, but also to our membership.”
WBBM has tried to reach Rice for comment.