NEW YORK—JULY 28, 2015—The son and ex-daughter-in-law of the late black golfing pioneer Charlie Sifford have been indicted for charges related to the theft of more than $1 million from the renowned World Golf Hall of Famer. Sifford’s son Craig and daughter-in-law Sandra Sifford were both charged for their crimes on Tuesday, July 28, 2015.
The court cited the two with theft, money laundering and unauthorized use of property. Craig and Sandra, both age 48, recently divorced a couple of months ago. The Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office says they spent Sifford’s money for their own personal use on travel, dining, clothes, jewelry, electronics and landscaping at their Brecksville (OH) home, among other expenses.
The indictment cites thefts beginning in 2010 through 2013, which total up to more than $1 million, according to investigators.
Conducted in part by the Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and the IRS, the investigation began after authorities received a complaint that Craig Sifford was “abusing his role as his father’s power of attorney.”
Craig and Sandra Sifford have each been charged with three counts of theft, one count of money laundering and one count of unauthorized use of property each. Sandra Sifford was also charged with one count of receiving stolen property.
Authorities said the criminal investigation of Craig and Sandra Sifford was already underway before Charlie Sifford Sr. died on February 3, 2015, at age 92. Charlie Sifford, Sr., lived in Warrensville Heights (OH) before his death and called Northeast Ohio his home for many years.
RELATED: A Tribute To The Late Charlie Sifford
Assistant County Prosecutor Paul Soucie said the elderly and the disabled are “particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation, especially from family members.”
Charlie Sifford, who is credited for courageously breaking the professional golf color barrier, served as an inspiration to so many people and, tragically, ended up being financially exploited by members of his family,” said Attorney General Mike DeWine.
Charlie Sifford won six National Negro Opens before successfully challenging the PGA’s “Caucasian only” rule — despite harassment and death threats — in 1960. He won his first PGA title in 1967 and another in 1969. He was considered by many “the Jackie Robinson of professional golf.”
“Crimes like this will not be tolerated in Ohio, and through my office’s Elder Justice Initiative, we work to hold those accountable who steal from older Ohioans.”
Charlie Sifford, also known for his trademark cigar, and speaking his mind, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House from President Barack Obama in November 2014 – the highest award that can be received by a civilian.
Read the full indictment HERE .
