Kermit Washington, a former NBA player for the Lakers, Blazers, Celtics, and Warriors in the ’70s and ’80s, was indicted this week by a federal grand jury on charges related to charity fraud.
Washington, who was formerly a representative for the National Basketball Players Association, founded a charity organization called Project Contact Africa, the purpose of which was to help the needy in Africa. Prosecutors allege that between 2004 and 2013, Washington took over half a million dollars given by donors to the charity and used it towards his personal expenses, including buying jewelry and paying for vacations. In addition, Washington also modified tax documents to falsely report his income.
Washington is facing charges of interfering with internal revenue laws, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of justice and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he could face over 40 years in prison.
