Board Members: Money Meant For Youth Hockey Stolen From Bingo Hall
ROSEVILLE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Members of the Roseville Area Youth Hockey Association were already scheduled to meet on Wednesday night to talk about tryouts for the upcoming season.
The conversation quickly turned to allegations involving stolen money and several employees at the Roseville Bingo Hall.
"It's a slap in the face, it's a punch in the gut, it's a stab in the back, all three at the same time," said Board Member Andy Skoogman.
The association owns the hall, along with Midway Speed Skating. The revenue from bingo and pull tabs goes towards things like ice time and registration fees for hundreds of kids playing hockey in the area.
"It's an expensive sport, and charitable gaming certainly plays a big role in helping give families access to hockey and the important life lessons that youth sports offer," Skoogman said.
The association immediately notified Roseville police after receiving a complaint about the misappropriation of funds at the bingo hall in July. The case was then handed over to state investigators.
The hall's gambling manager, assistant manager and another employee were all fired on Monday.
The association does not know how much money was stolen at this point, but records show the bingo hall was doing quite well.
Based on board minutes posted online, gambling there generates hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The hockey association insists the kids will not be impacted by all of this and reserve money will be used if necessary. They hope to have the bingo hall up and running again with new management by next week.
No charges have been filed in this case.
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