KANSAS CITY, MO – A Maple Heights, Ohio man is facing up to two decades behind bars after admitting to a brazen scheme that swindled NFL players out of nearly $25,000 meant for charitable donations. Camario A. Richardson, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud in federal court today, bringing a close – but not a resolution – to a case that exposed a cynical exploitation of good intentions.
Richardson operated by promising NFL players branded merchandise, specifically Nike backpacks, to be distributed at charitable “Book Bag Giveaway” events for children heading back to school. He claimed connections to Nike, a claim that proved to be entirely false. The con man took payments from players across the league, pocketed the cash, and delivered nothing but empty promises. A Kansas City Chiefs player was among the victims, handing over $6,000 for 300 backpacks that never materialized.
The scope of Richardson’s deceit extended beyond Missouri. He also targeted players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati Bengals, raking in a combined $17,280 for backpacks he similarly failed to provide. In June 2016, he took $6,480 from a Buccaneers player and another $6,480 from a Colts player, both promised 300 backpacks. A Bengals player was fleeced out of $4,320 for 200 backpacks. In a separate incident, Richardson also scammed a San Diego Chargers player out of $1,500 for athletic shoes he never delivered.
Despite Richardson’s deception, the NFL players stepped up, ensuring the children still received the supplies they needed. Each of the four victim players independently purchased backpacks from another source to fulfill their commitments to the charitable events, absorbing the financial loss themselves. The total amount stolen by Richardson reached $24,780, a sum he’s now legally obligated to repay as part of the plea agreement.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a maximum sentence for Richardson, which, under federal statutes, could reach up to 20 years in prison without the possibility of parole. The final sentence will be determined by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough after a presentence investigation conducted by the United States Probation Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Criminal Division Chief Gene Porter, is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was a joint effort between the U.S. Secret Service and the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department. While the recovery of the stolen funds is a small victory, the case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of charitable endeavors to predatory schemes. Richardson’s actions weren’t just a financial crime; they were a betrayal of trust and a direct hit to the goodwill of those seeking to help others.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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