The executive director of a District non-profit youth boxing program admitted to using more than $200,000 in grants for gambling, clothing and expensive meals.
Keely E. Thompson, Jr. of Accokeek, Md. entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court Wednesday and will be sentenced Oct. 9. Thompson, owner of Keely's District Boxing and Youth Center which operated in Northwest and Northeast, could face a maximum of 20 years behind bars, paired with financial penalties.
Parties involved, however, have reportedly agreed to a prison term between 27 and 33 months, with a fine between $6,000 and $60,000. Thompson will also have to pay $205,000 in restitution.
“Keely Thompson squandered tax dollars, meant to help children, at the casino,” U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen said Wednesday. “He lied to secure public and charitable funds that he stole for his own frivolous entertainment. This case echoes the message we have delivered time and time again - criminals who rob the taxpayers to satisfy their own greed will be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Thompson's spending sprees also included expensive restaurants, grocery stores, concerts, speeding tickets and clothing between on or about 2004 and on or about 2009.
Thompson was arrested back in November 2010. He and his wife, Bianca Thompson, were indicted last November on wire fraud charges. The plea agreement announced Wednesday would dismiss the charges against Bianca Thompson upon the date of Keely Thompson's sentencing.
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