Bookkeeper Accused of Using Dodge Center American Legion Credit Card for $75K in Person Purchases
Dodge Center, MN (KROC-AM News)- A southeast Minnesota man accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from the Dodge Center American Legion is facing a felony charge.
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The court document was filed Thursday in Dodge County Court.
Members of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the suspected fraud this past August.
Dodge County American Legion Bookkeeper Accused of Using Legion's Card for $75K in Personal Purchases
A deputy who responded to the legion was told that the Legion’s Treasurer/Commander was stealing from the Legion. He is identified as 53-year-old Rich Wilburt Klindworth, Jr.
The Dodge Center man was alleged to have been using the Legion’s credit card to pay for personal items dating back to 2024.
At the time of the reported fraud, authorities were told Klindworth, Jr. stole $16,369.79, but that the amount was likely higher as the Legion was still going through financial statements, the complaint says.
Law enforcement learned that 536 out of 600 purchases Klindworth, Jr. made with the Legion’s card through Amazon were for personal use. The value of the personal items bought totaled roughly $35,144.74, according to the complaint.
Klindworth Jr. is also alleged to have made an additional $40,346.26 in personal purchases through several other companies. In all he is accused of embezzling $75,491.00, the court document says.
Dodge County Sheriff's Office Executes Search Warrant at Legion Bookkeeper's Home
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Klindworth Jr.’s home on Thursday. Authorities located several of the items that were bought with the Legion’s credit card, according to the complaint.
“This case underscores the importance of accurate financial records and regular, independent oversight within service clubs, volunteer groups, and nonprofit organizations,” Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose said in a statement.
He said the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office “encourages organizations to retain receipts, document the purpose of expenditures, reconcile accounts monthly, and have someone other than the person handling the money review bank and credit card statements.”
Klindworth Jr. is charged with one count of felony financial card transaction fraud. He was released without bail following his first court appearance and is due back in court early next year.
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