A regional director for U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville surrendered to authorities Thursday on a charge of using public office for personal gain. An attorney for Michael Raita says he plans to plead not guilty. (File)
A Hoover regional director for U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville surrendered to authorities Thursday on a charge of using his position on a state board for personal gain.
Michael Raita, 67, was released on a $25,000 bond Thursday from the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office, according to public records.
Messages seeking comment were left Monday for Talladega County Sheriff Jimmy Kilgore and Tuberville’s campaign.
Tommy Spina, an attorney representing Raita, said in a statement Monday evening that Raita had not done anything he believed to be unlawful.
“Every action he took was done openly, in good faith, and with the knowledge, authority, and approval of the Hall of Fame’s chairman and board of directors,” the statement said.
Spina said Raita knew of the investigation for “some time” and will enter a not guilty plea.
Raita was the lead sports anchor at ABC 33/40 from 1996 until 2017. He then served as the executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame from 2020 until 2024.
An October audit found that Raita bought a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car for $15,000 from the commission, a car that sells for between $37,000 and $112,000. The audit also found that Raita’s wife bought a 1998 F-150 for $1,000 from the commission, which sells for about $60,000.
The audit found 33 other violations by the commission. Gov. Kay Ivey fired the board of the Hall of Fame shortly after the audit was released and appointed an entirely new board.
CBS 42 reported Monday afternoon that the arrest was part of an indictment by a grand jury.
From Alabama Reflector Post Url: Visit
Author: Anna Barrett, Andrea Tinker