Delaware American Legion leaders accused of stealing

Current and former leaders at a Delaware American Legion post are accused of stealing more than $640,000 in post funds.

Following a three month investigation by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement, six post officers at American Legion Post #28 in Millsboro were accused of embezzling more than half a million dollars from the post.

Five of the men were arrested on Thursday. The sixth man accused of stealing funds was deceased.

The men are accused of writing checks to cash on the post’s account. Investigators say they would then cash the checks, but wouldn’t use the funds for American Legion business. 

Samuel Mauger is charged with two counts of felony theft over $100,000.  He’s accused of embezzling more than $376,000.

Another suspect, who has died, was accused of taking more than $200,000.

The other suspects, James Gallagher, Edward Mazewski, Michael Rooney and Charles Nimmericher are accused taking $20,000 or less. They’ve all been arraigned and released while they await a court date.

Delaware law allows groups like the American Legion to host gambling activities like poker, blackjack and some dice games to raise money.