Aaron Allen Smith, 48, Joplin, former vice president and loan officer Mid-Missouri Bank who embezzled $71,000 from Miracle League of Joplin, will spend no time in prison.
Smith was given a seven-year deferred sentence during a hearing today in Ottawa County District Court after pleading guilty to embezzlement. Smith has repaid the stolen money.
According to the probable cause statement, the alleged embezzlement was uncovered by Miracle League board member Shawn Daniel who found unauthorized transactions had been made on Smith's debit card and contacted the Joplin Police Department.From the probable cause statement:
Board member Shawn Daniel reported the current estimated loss of nearly $70,000. Of that amount $59,316 occurred at Downstream Casino Resort (DCR), located at 69300 East Nee Road in rural Quapaw, Ottawa County, Oklahoma.
The transactions occurred between August of 2024 and December of 2024. Additional unauthorized transactions were conducted at Indigo Sky Casino in rural Wyandotte, Oklahoma, the Hardrock Casino in Catoosa, Oklahoma, and at ATMs in Joplin, Missouri, all of which are being investigated in their respective jurisdictions.
Shawn Daniel said the debit card was issued to Aaron Smith by the Miracle League of Joplin Board and stated the account is with US Bank in Joplin, Missouri. The fund in the account are specific to the Miracle League of Joplin expenses and are subject to the board's approval.
Shawn Daniel provided me with bank statements from US Bank dated January 2024-November 2024 for {the account} which is linked to the debit card.
On December 18, 2024, Aaron Smith made a $50,000 deposit into the Miracle League of Joplin account from his personal banking account with Commerce Bank in Joplin. On December 19, 2024, the deposit was returned and the funds were removed from the Miracle League of Joplin's account.
The transactions occurred between August of 2024 and December of 2024. Additional unauthorized transactions were conducted at Indigo Sky Casino in rural Wyandotte, Oklahoma, the Hardrock Casino in Catoosa, Oklahoma, and at ATMs in Joplin, Missouri, all of which are being investigated in their respective jurisdictions.
Shawn Daniel said the debit card was issued to Aaron Smith by the Miracle League of Joplin Board and stated the account is with US Bank in Joplin, Missouri. The fund in the account are specific to the Miracle League of Joplin expenses and are subject to the board's approval.
Shawn Daniel provided me with bank statements from US Bank dated January 2024-November 2024 for {the account} which is linked to the debit card.
On December 18, 2024, Aaron Smith made a $50,000 deposit into the Miracle League of Joplin account from his personal banking account with Commerce Bank in Joplin. On December 19, 2024, the deposit was returned and the funds were removed from the Miracle League of Joplin's account.
8 comments:
No prison time? I guess I fail to understand our judicial system and how things work.
Aaron Allen Smith, like the rest of the local administrators that have stolen from Non-Profits - NOT ONE has had to do any Jail Time - - What is wrong with the Judges, Prosecuting Attorneys in Jasper, Newton, McDonald, Ottawa Counties - Do your Damn Jobs - Stop being Soft on Criminals, giving them Slaps on the Wrists and Probation. What type of Message does this send - You can steal from Non-Profits and Get-Away with it?
This is sick. Has the mother of a child who is disabled and participates in the miracle league, it is completely sad and maddening that someone can just take and not be held accountable. I think if guilt is admitted and it’s a felony crime someone should have to serve at least some time. Paying it back isn’t enough. We all know you stole it.
Justice = Just Us Club
He should run for state office. Folks in these parts love electing these white collar crooks through their straight party ballots.
He just made a few mistakes. He needs to turn his life around.
7:11PM - That is fine, if he wants to turn his life around, most people would be happier if he found religion in Jail than being set free.
Imagine being so consumed with addiction you steal from mentally disabled. If he didn’t get caught he would have continued with his mistakes and now that he wasn’t held accountable who knows?
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