Founder of Omaha Sports Club Accused of Skimming $400K for Gambling Habit

Submitted by Associated Press on

Written by :

Associated Press

Published on :

Founder of Omaha Sports Club Accused of Skimming $400K for Gambling Habit

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The founder of the Omaha Sports Academy took almost $400,000 from the organization for personal use, according to prosecutors.

Start Your Own Sportsbook Today

Bob Franzese, 48, was charged Thursday with two counts of theft by unlawful taking. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine has said investigators believe Franzese used the money for gambling, The Omaha World-Herald reported.

Franzese turned himself in Wednesday at the Douglas County Jail. He was granted $25,000 bail on Thursday and was no longer listed in the jail census Thursday night.

Subpoenas showed Franzese made 32 deposits into two bank accounts that accounted for the missing money, prosecutors said.

Franzese founded the sports academy in 2007 and was its co-owner and general manager until he was removed in April.

Franzese’s attorney Mark Foxhall, said Franzese was being treated for addiction, anxiety and depression.

Related Content

Omaha Nebraska Youth Baseball Organizer in Custody: Faces Theft Charges, Funds Allegedly Used to Fuel Gambling Problem

Omaha Nebraska Youth Baseball Organizer in Custody: Faces Theft Charges, Funds Allegedly Used to Fuel Gambling Problem

Sam Leng faces a theft by deception charge after families from the Omaha Nighthawks youth baseball team raised concerns in February. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office filed the charges against Leng late last week.
Two Men Wanted for Swindling MGM Springfield Massachusetts Casino

Two Men Wanted for Swindling MGM Springfield Massachusetts Casino

New York resident Gonzalo Capellan and co-defendant Ruddy Iglesia, of New Jersey are both accused of swindling the MGM Springfield Casino in Massachusetts.
Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Armed Robbery of Eastern Oregon Casino

Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Armed Robbery of Eastern Oregon Casino, Shooting Cop

According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, Vigil entered the Wildhorse Casino, walked straight to the cashier cage in the gaming area, and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 million.
3 Arrested Following Armed Robbery of Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa Patron

3 Arrested Following Armed Robbery of Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa Patron

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of three individuals suspected in an armed robbery of an individual returning from the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa on July 23.