Ben Shoulders, a name once associated with public service, now finds himself in a storm of allegations involving the misuse of campaign funds. The former Vanderburgh County Commissioner is under scrutiny for a peculiar shopping spree on eBay, where he allegedly splurged over $41,000, not on the typical political paraphernalia, but on high-priced baseball cards.
The claims against Shoulders were formalized in a probable cause affidavit filed at the Vanderburgh Circuit Court. The document highlights how Shoulders purportedly made purchases like a $235 Johnny Bench rookie card and a $570 Satchel Paige card, slyly disguised as “signs” and “banner” expenses on his campaign finance reports. These entries, along with a curious addition of almost $500 in Pokémon cards marked as “signs” from a local store, raised eyebrows during the investigation.
The unraveling of this tangled web began when Shoulders himself alarmed the Evansville Police Department about suspected fraudulent activities on his campaign account back in October 2023. He reported losing his debit card in April, distancing himself from any knowledge of the charges made between May and August. However, a deeper probe indicated a different story – records pointed towards Shoulders as the sole authorized user of the account, and transactions persisted post his lost card report.
Furnished email records demonstrated multiple online orders for sought-after baseball treasures such as 1965 and 1967 Mickey Mantle cards, and a 1966 Willie Mays card, all headed for Shoulders’ residence. Interestingly, the payment for these collectibles was traced back to his campaign account, further complicating the narrative of his financial conduct.
In a puzzling turn of events, it was revealed that Shoulders sought reimbursement exceeding $26,000 from Old National Bank under the guise of disputing the allegedly fraudulent charges. Nevertheless, his attempt hit a dead-end with the bank rejecting his claim. Shortly after this failed refund endeavor, Shoulders chose to step down from his commissioner role, bidding adieu to his constituents with a message of gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
The aftermath of these discoveries did not bode well for Shoulders, as he found himself handcuffed and facing an array of charges, including attempted fraud and making false reports. After posting a $500 bond, he braced himself for an impending court appearance. The affidavit continued to expose more irregularities, shedding light on checks indicated as charitable contributions, which surprisingly ended up in a business account controlled by Shoulders.
The narrative of Ben Shoulders’ fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale, serving a stern reminder that the mishandling of funds, especially those designated for public service, can have dire consequences. As legal proceedings unfold, the once-respected figure now navigates a path fraught with legal woes, ushering in an era that starkly contrasts with his previous role as a public servant.
