Treasurer Of Connecticut Canine Search And Rescue Organization Admits Embezzling $150,000

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS RECCK, 50, of New Britain, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in Bridgeport to fraud and tax charges stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RECCK was the Treasurer for Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue, Inc. (“CCSAR”) in Kensington, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the search and rescue of missing and lost persons in the United States by using trained search and rescue dogs.  In his capacity as the treasurer, RECCK had access to the bank accounts of CCSAR.  From approximately January 2008 to August 2012, RECCK transferred $150,329.57 from CCCSR accounts into a separate account that he controlled and used the funds to gamble and for other personal expenses.

RECCK also failed to report the stolen funds on his federal tax returns.

RECCK pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2015.

RECCK also has agreed to full restitution, as well as back taxes, penalties and interest for the 2008 through 2012 tax years.

Following his guilty plea, RECCK was released on bond.

This investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Greenwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov