The treasurer of a Queens County bowling league was indicted and arraigned on charges of grand larceny and other crimes for allegedly stealing dues and prize money from members in 2020, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Robert Vickers, 59, of West 52nd Street in Manhattan, was arraigned Tuesday, Oct. 25, when he was charged with nine counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, eight counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, scheme to defraud in the first degree and two counts of petit larceny.
Vickers was the treasurer and secretary of the “Ted Guy Memorial” League that bowls at JIB Lanes on Parsons Boulevard in Flushing, according to court records. Vickers was responsible for collecting weekly dues from the 120 members for a prize fund and bowling expenses. He was expected to deposit the dues into a bank account in the league’s name and then distribute the prize winnings to members.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the bowling season ended early on March 11, 2020. Team captains voted to pay out the prize money based on standings for the first half of the season and to return dues that had been paid in advance of the unplayed games. However, team captains reported that Vickers failed to pay out their members. Vickers claimed the account was frozen.
Records indicate that Vickers used league funds to make expensive purchases and gamble funds at casinos in New York City and Atlantic City. Following an investigation and a grand jury indictment, Vickers was arrested Tuesday in his Manhattan home.
“As alleged, the defendant took advantage of not only his position in the league, but of a global pandemic to line his pockets with funds reserved for official league activities,” Katz said. “The defendant has been apprehended and faces serious charges.”
