Chief Wahoo protester sentenced in theft of federal funds
CLEVELAND (AP) — A man who has held protests saying the Cleveland Indians' Chief Wahoo mascot is racist has been sentenced in federal court for stealing money from federal grants aimed at helping Native Americans.
Robert Roche received four months in prison followed by four months of home confinement on Wednesday. A judge ordered him to pay $77,000 in restitution, the amount he was accused of stealing.
The 71-year-old Roche, of Cleveland, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from programs receiving federal funds in May.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said in statement the money Roche stole was intended for mental health and wellness programs.
Roche's attorney wasn't immediately available for comment.
Major league baseball announced in January that Chief Wahoo will be removed from players' uniforms starting next year.
-
2024 MLB predictions by Ben Verlander: Standings, playoffs, World Series
MLB young core rankings, Nos. 20-11: Why Red Sox, Cardinals could rebuild quickly
Predicting MLB’s biggest turnarounds in 2024: Yankees, Cardinals playoff bound?
-
One MLB player to watch from every team: Juan Soto one-and-done with Yankees?
MLB's best catchers: Ranking the top 10 for 2024
MLB's best closers: Ranking the top 10 for 2024
-
2024 MLB spring training: Schedule, report dates, locations for every team
2024 MLB Odds: Ben Verlander's Over/Under win total picks for all 30 teams
-
2024 MLB predictions by Ben Verlander: Standings, playoffs, World Series
MLB young core rankings, Nos. 20-11: Why Red Sox, Cardinals could rebuild quickly
Predicting MLB’s biggest turnarounds in 2024: Yankees, Cardinals playoff bound?
-
One MLB player to watch from every team: Juan Soto one-and-done with Yankees?
MLB's best catchers: Ranking the top 10 for 2024
MLB's best closers: Ranking the top 10 for 2024
-
2024 MLB spring training: Schedule, report dates, locations for every team
2024 MLB Odds: Ben Verlander's Over/Under win total picks for all 30 teams