Oregon Charity Founder Indicted Over Gambling Theft
A Lincoln County jury has indicted Marcus Brooks, founder of the now-defunct disaster relief charity Cascade Relief Team, over allegations that he misappropriated tens of thousands of dollars in charity funds to feed a gambling habit.
Brooks has been charged with two counts of aggravated theft in the first degree and faces up to 10 years in prison, restitution, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Disaster Relief Funds Allegedly Diverted
In 2021, Cascade Relief Team promised to help rebuild homes for Kentucky tornado victims and was granted $326,000 by the American Red Cross for shelter construction.
The charity separately received $100,000 from the Oregon State Fire Marshal to assist with cleanup after a 2020 wildfire.
According to the indictment, Brooks instead used the money to pay personal expenses, including vehicle purchases, a trip to Disneyland, strip club visits and frequent trips to casinos, although nothing mentioned online casino use.
The alleged scheme came to light after employees Brooks had fired tipped off the Oregon Department of Justice.
Attorney General Response
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield accused Brooks of "preying on people at the worst moment of their lives" and gambling away money meant to rebuild homes, while acknowledging Brooks is innocent until proven guilty.
The case follows an unrelated Oregon gambling story this year in which a man who robbed the Wildhorse Resort and Casino at gunpoint was sentenced to 20 years after pleading guilty to attempted murder, illegal firearm possession, and robbery.
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