AMVETS under investigation

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002 | 9:30 a.m.

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says his office is investigating what could be the largest theft of charitable gambling money since the state began charitable gambling in 1977.

A random audit by the state's Gaming Division found the Bismarck's AMVETS Post No. 9 failed to report more than $646,000, Stenehjem said. Most of the money came from pull tabs, he said.

Stenehjem said the investigation involves one former AMVETS employee, though others may have been involved.

"This is embezzlement -- we're talking about a huge theft," Stenehjem said. "This is worse than stealing a bank's money, because they get reimbursed. This was from charitable organizations."

The charitable gambling at the AMVETS club mostly benefits veterans causes.

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