Mark Green, the former superintendent of Columbia City Parks and Recreation, has found himself in hot water after being sentenced to three years for his involvement in the embezzlement of more than $240,000 from city funds. What did he spend this hefty sum on, you ask? Well, brace yourselves – for the love of collecting baseball cards.
It all started when a vigilant eye caught wind of some peculiar financial transactions within the city’s funds. Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel launched an investigation in March 2023, which eventually led to the unveiling of Green’s misdeeds. The collaborative efforts of the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Police, and the Indiana State Board of Accounts played a crucial role in exposing Green’s deceitful actions, resulting in his prompt termination from the prestigious position he held.
Unraveling the scandalous affair, court documents disclosed that Green shamelessly splurged approximately $246,000 on baseball cards from a place called ‘Sport Spot.’ The city’s credit card served as Green’s golden ticket to this spending spree, as he indulged in the purchase of these prized collectibles, only to later peddle some of them on eBay for personal gain. In a moment of truth, Green came clean about his misappropriation of city funds for his baseball card escapade.
Initially faced with a gamut of charges including corrupt business influence, theft, and official misconduct, Green strategically opted for a plea agreement in April 2024. This plea deal saw him pleading guilty to a single count of theft, paving the way for the dismissal of all other charges. Yet, the road to retribution wasn’t an easy one for Green, as he was obligated to make amends through restitution amounting to a hefty $275,628. This sum included a significant payment of $100,000 to a bond company, with the remainder of $175,628 directed back to the city coffers.
As the gavel of justice struck, Green’s sentencing unfolded before the public eye on a somber Monday. The court decreed that he would serve the first year of his three-year sentence either behind bars or on work release, with the subsequent two years to be spent under probationary watch. This case has shone a harsh spotlight on the dire need for enhanced financial oversight within Columbia City’s Parks and Recreation Department, provoking urgent calls for stringent control measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
