Home / Crime and Justice / Ex-TV Anchor Faces Charges Over Hall of Fame Dealings
Ex-TV Anchor Faces Charges Over Hall of Fame Dealings
7 Apr
Summary
- Former sports anchor indicted for alleged personal gain at Hall of Fame.
- Audit found over $200,000 improperly spent by the Hall of Fame.
- Two vehicles were sold to Raita and his wife below market value.
Mike Raita, a former television sports anchor in Birmingham, surrendered to authorities after a grand jury indicted him on charges of misusing his position as executive director of the Alabama Motor Sports Hall of Fame for personal gain. His attorney stated Raita will plead not guilty, asserting his actions were authorized.
An audit released last year by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts cited the Hall of Fame Commission for 35 violations of state law, with over $200,000 improperly spent. This matter was referred to the Alabama attorney general's office.
Raita, whose term as executive director concluded in March 2024, allegedly purchased a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car from the commission for $15,000 in April 2023, after the commission had already spent $23,000 on its repairs. Additionally, a 1998 Ford F-150 was sold to his wife for $1,000 in March 2024.
Former commission chairman Gerald Dial had indicated Raita would return the Camaro and be reimbursed. Governor Kay Ivey subsequently removed all 18 members of the commission following the audit.
