Indictment Alleges Veterans Store Manager Spent Government Money On Lap Dances, Sex
DETROIT (WWJ) - The manager of a Veterans Affairs retail store has been indicted for embezzling more than a $150,000 — most of which he spent on sex.
According to an indictment, Glen Bates, who managed a store and canteen at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, embezzled cash through the sales of items including commemorative military hats and vending machine sundries.
The indictment alleges that Bates — in a signed, sworn statement — admitted to taking the money, telling investigators he spent a lot of it on lap dances and liaisons with prostitutes — primarily with a $500-a-night nude dancer named Ashley whom he met at Centerfold nightclub in Columbus, Ohio.
Bates allegedly said he became addicted to his trysts with Ashley, but also spent some money on other strippers and prostitutes, as well as on gambling at casinos in Battle Creek and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Bates was charged with theft, embezzlement and conversion of government funds over $1,000 and released on a $10,000 bond.
If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison.
