Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas City
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WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
I know all about this. In fact, it was an email I sent back in the fall of 2007 to the entire membership of the organization that began a lot of the questions - it was a rather pointed and blunt email. I was invited to not come to any more meetings at the museum ever again (even though I had paid three hundred dollars for a three year membership). I hope they roast this guy - he was certainly a shell-game organizer.
I know all about this. In fact, it was an email I sent back in the fall of 2007 to the entire membership of the organization that began a lot of the questions - it was a rather pointed and blunt email. I was invited to not come to any more meetings at the museum ever again (even though I had paid three hundred dollars for a three year membership). I hope they roast this guy - he was certainly a shell-game organizer.
WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
So anyway, this thread had me strolling down memory lane. It is kind of a disgusting situation.
In late December 2007 there was an email sent to all the members of the AHM bemoaning our money woes (in conjunction with getting the Connie flying, etc). There has always been an undercurrent of "suck" in this museum which is one of the reasons my Grandpa declined getting involved when it was started. I joined because it was something fun for Maggie and I to do.
Anyway, in response to the email I "replied to all" and said basically "Hey...John Travolta jjust came to town and did a fundraiser for us. Where's the cash? How is it accounted for?". I got a couple of replies from some people saying "right on, where's the money?" and a REALLY hateful response from Paul Sloan, the guy mentioned in the article Doug posted.
So, a couple of us "dissenters" got together for lunch - but mostly it was a guy named Bill Doty and I that lead the initial charge - along with a former Captain. We were getting nowhere and there were "cliques" within the museum. Board meeetings were all deemed "private" and it was like the membership was given the mushroom treatment. Given that, we sent the following open-letter to the entire membership of the AHM:
This created a crap-storm of sorts. We were no longer welcome at the museum (even though I was only 8 months into my $300 three-year membership). We continued to ask questions and we finally recieved the audit we had been waiting for:
That's right kids - this is what passed for an "audit". Also, at the Board meeting that produced this "audit" they announced that Paul Sloan had been named Executive Director of the AHM. He had been a volunteer and was the one in charge of the Travolta Gala. As the head of the Gala, he made the decisions about expenditures, etc. (Look at the expenses - much inflated over what it should have been, and Travolta WAIVED his fee - came to KC just to help the museum). It wouldn't surprise me if many of those expenses went to Paul Sloan somehow. Anyway - look on the ledger at what the "net" was to that point - and compare it to what the article states the "theft" was. Actually it is more money than that ("expenses" paid from the gala, etc). Anyway - Bill and I sent all of the information we had to the Missouri Attorney Generals office in April of 2008 and that's the last we heard of anything.
Sorry for the "book" - just really sucks about the museum. They'd have the Connie flying again with competent leadership.
So anyway, this thread had me strolling down memory lane. It is kind of a disgusting situation.
In late December 2007 there was an email sent to all the members of the AHM bemoaning our money woes (in conjunction with getting the Connie flying, etc). There has always been an undercurrent of "suck" in this museum which is one of the reasons my Grandpa declined getting involved when it was started. I joined because it was something fun for Maggie and I to do.
Anyway, in response to the email I "replied to all" and said basically "Hey...John Travolta jjust came to town and did a fundraiser for us. Where's the cash? How is it accounted for?". I got a couple of replies from some people saying "right on, where's the money?" and a REALLY hateful response from Paul Sloan, the guy mentioned in the article Doug posted.
So, a couple of us "dissenters" got together for lunch - but mostly it was a guy named Bill Doty and I that lead the initial charge - along with a former Captain. We were getting nowhere and there were "cliques" within the museum. Board meeetings were all deemed "private" and it was like the membership was given the mushroom treatment. Given that, we sent the following open-letter to the entire membership of the AHM:
This created a crap-storm of sorts. We were no longer welcome at the museum (even though I was only 8 months into my $300 three-year membership). We continued to ask questions and we finally recieved the audit we had been waiting for:
That's right kids - this is what passed for an "audit". Also, at the Board meeting that produced this "audit" they announced that Paul Sloan had been named Executive Director of the AHM. He had been a volunteer and was the one in charge of the Travolta Gala. As the head of the Gala, he made the decisions about expenditures, etc. (Look at the expenses - much inflated over what it should have been, and Travolta WAIVED his fee - came to KC just to help the museum). It wouldn't surprise me if many of those expenses went to Paul Sloan somehow. Anyway - look on the ledger at what the "net" was to that point - and compare it to what the article states the "theft" was. Actually it is more money than that ("expenses" paid from the gala, etc). Anyway - Bill and I sent all of the information we had to the Missouri Attorney Generals office in April of 2008 and that's the last we heard of anything.
Sorry for the "book" - just really sucks about the museum. They'd have the Connie flying again with competent leadership.
WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
It was an incredibly bad deal. The Connie hasn't flown in YEARS and then Travolta came to town FOR FREE to be the draw to an event that raised $350k - which would have put the Connie back in the air AND given a years operating costs to the museum after the costs. As the letter says, I put one on every year that the gross is about $300k. We have to rent a facility (Starlight Theater - 9,000 seat ampitheater) - the AHM had it in the hanger - no cost. We have to hire nationally known performers ($12,000 - $30,000) - Travolta came to the museum FOR FREE. We provide an open bar and sit down dinner catered by the Hyatt for 400 or so people - the museum provided food stations and a cash bar. Our costs are generally $80k-$100k leaving $150,000 to $250k as profit (depending upon our gross - lowest gross we've done is $250k, highest is $350k. There is NO WAY that the museum only had $53,000 after this event - unless there was stealing involved.
What a crook. I hope he gets the book thrown at him.
It was an incredibly bad deal. The Connie hasn't flown in YEARS and then Travolta came to town FOR FREE to be the draw to an event that raised $350k - which would have put the Connie back in the air AND given a years operating costs to the museum after the costs. As the letter says, I put one on every year that the gross is about $300k. We have to rent a facility (Starlight Theater - 9,000 seat ampitheater) - the AHM had it in the hanger - no cost. We have to hire nationally known performers ($12,000 - $30,000) - Travolta came to the museum FOR FREE. We provide an open bar and sit down dinner catered by the Hyatt for 400 or so people - the museum provided food stations and a cash bar. Our costs are generally $80k-$100k leaving $150,000 to $250k as profit (depending upon our gross - lowest gross we've done is $250k, highest is $350k. There is NO WAY that the museum only had $53,000 after this event - unless there was stealing involved.
Minuteman
I HAVE STRONG OPINIONS ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING!
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
Isn't 14.9% an exceptionally low return for a fund-raising effort? Your letter mentions a $100k cap for an campaign that received $300k, so the minimum there would be 66.7%(?).
Edit: Nevermind, that low number on the page is the whole point.
Isn't 14.9% an exceptionally low return for a fund-raising effort? Your letter mentions a $100k cap for an campaign that received $300k, so the minimum there would be 66.7%(?).
Edit: Nevermind, that low number on the page is the whole point.
granlistillo
Well-Known Member
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
Sorry to hear about this Jim, but it seems like he is getting his just reward for being a crook. Sounds similar to the situation at Hutchinson, where the director of the Comosphere (still a world class operation)got pinched selling space artifacts. ugggh
Sounds like you tried to make a difference... What is with that area? What really needs some help is the lousy museum at McConnell, that is an embarrassment to the "Air Capitol of the World".
Sorry to hear about this Jim, but it seems like he is getting his just reward for being a crook. Sounds similar to the situation at Hutchinson, where the director of the Comosphere (still a world class operation)got pinched selling space artifacts. ugggh
Sounds like you tried to make a difference... What is with that area? What really needs some help is the lousy museum at McConnell, that is an embarrassment to the "Air Capitol of the World".
KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
Dang, this is crazy. I've seen the Connie fly once and hope to see it fly again. I wonder how the DC-3 is coming along. I know they put a lot of effort in to getting the L1011 to MKC, but from the outside it sort of looked like they had just neglected everything else.
Dang, this is crazy. I've seen the Connie fly once and hope to see it fly again. I wonder how the DC-3 is coming along. I know they put a lot of effort in to getting the L1011 to MKC, but from the outside it sort of looked like they had just neglected everything else.
WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
It isn't just aviation museums, or even this area - many non-profits are easy targets for con-artists. I'm involved in some REALLY GOOD non-profits (hospitals) and they do a nice job of accountability for the community. It was the shock of knowing how we do it there that led me to raise the fuss here. Non-profits are full of volunteers and Board members that care about the mission - and all the warm/fuzzy feelings that go along with it. That is why con-artists can have good luck with the non-profits as a target. What many involved in a non-profit forget is that it HAS to be run as dilligently as a business and with complete transparency. As a Board member of any non-profit you are financially and/or criminally liable for anything that happens to the organization. I was not a member of the Board of the AHM but any of you that DO get involved in non-profit Boards (and you should - it is a wonderful thing to do) - just be careful and treat the organization and its finances as you would your own business.
It isn't just aviation museums, or even this area - many non-profits are easy targets for con-artists. I'm involved in some REALLY GOOD non-profits (hospitals) and they do a nice job of accountability for the community. It was the shock of knowing how we do it there that led me to raise the fuss here. Non-profits are full of volunteers and Board members that care about the mission - and all the warm/fuzzy feelings that go along with it. That is why con-artists can have good luck with the non-profits as a target. What many involved in a non-profit forget is that it HAS to be run as dilligently as a business and with complete transparency. As a Board member of any non-profit you are financially and/or criminally liable for anything that happens to the organization. I was not a member of the Board of the AHM but any of you that DO get involved in non-profit Boards (and you should - it is a wonderful thing to do) - just be careful and treat the organization and its finances as you would your own business.
WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
He did for a long time. The event was in October of 2007 and the letter we wrote was in February of 2008. We finally turned over everything we had to the Missouri AG in April of 2008 and it's just now being dealt with - but only after the guy resigned.
He did for a long time. The event was in October of 2007 and the letter we wrote was in February of 2008. We finally turned over everything we had to the Missouri AG in April of 2008 and it's just now being dealt with - but only after the guy resigned.
WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
Oh - and one important point. John Travolta was the guest of honor. He was shooting a movie at the time. He normally charges an appearance fee of upwards of $150,000. He said, if you can get me to KC, and BACK to the movie set by the next day I'll do it to help. So, Garmin flew the jet to go get him, delivered him to the hanger, and flew him back and Travolta did it for free. So, if nothing else, Travolta's a good guy and I certainly don't wish to imply that he knew anything at all about this in any way. He was doing what anyone who loved these machines would do and should be applauded in my opinion.
Oh - and one important point. John Travolta was the guest of honor. He was shooting a movie at the time. He normally charges an appearance fee of upwards of $150,000. He said, if you can get me to KC, and BACK to the movie set by the next day I'll do it to help. So, Garmin flew the jet to go get him, delivered him to the hanger, and flew him back and Travolta did it for free. So, if nothing else, Travolta's a good guy and I certainly don't wish to imply that he knew anything at all about this in any way. He was doing what anyone who loved these machines would do and should be applauded in my opinion.
Minuteman
I HAVE STRONG OPINIONS ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING!
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
I'm no accountant; what level of rigor/detail is standard for a published audit like that?
Also, is there any difference between a public company buying a nice luxury sedan to make available for the CEO's use, and the same thing happening at a charity?
I'm no accountant; what level of rigor/detail is standard for a published audit like that?
Also, is there any difference between a public company buying a nice luxury sedan to make available for the CEO's use, and the same thing happening at a charity?
WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
That was the only sheet of paper provided - and was simply an income statement through 10-2007. An audit is much more rigorous, shows where exactly the money went, has been verified by a CPA and then certified by a CPA (which is why they call the Certified Public Accountants - they can sign something and that is supposed to mean "I have verified this and it is all accurate and accounted for").
As for the car - a non-profit can provide a car just as a for-profit can.
That was the only sheet of paper provided - and was simply an income statement through 10-2007. An audit is much more rigorous, shows where exactly the money went, has been verified by a CPA and then certified by a CPA (which is why they call the Certified Public Accountants - they can sign something and that is supposed to mean "I have verified this and it is all accurate and accounted for").
As for the car - a non-profit can provide a car just as a for-profit can.
Firebird2XC
Well-Known Member
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
This all smacks of hankey-panky.
Look at the expenses for 'event planning' and 'consulting'. Really? Weren't the planners and board members all unpaid volunteers?
Without receipts to actual firms, businesses, or individuals, it's like this guy just made up numbers to account for the money he took from the register then split town. Given the non-profit status of the museum there have got to be governing regulations in place. Something.
Can the Attorney General freeze his assets pending investigation or do they need some greater evidence of wrongdoing first?
This seriously annoys me. Both at the alleged perpetrator and the board members. Perhaps we're not all as prone to scrutinize others we believe to share a common interest, but surely with that amount of money changing hands somebody would have thought to safeguard the process by instituting a budget oversight committee.
*sigh* Such is the way of the world. As long as there are people with good and honest intentions there will those who will exploit them. I suppose given that we should all learn to keep a most skeptical eye towards such processes aiming to enrich society and the greater good.
That said, accountability must be had for those who have done wrong here.
This all smacks of hankey-panky.
Look at the expenses for 'event planning' and 'consulting'. Really? Weren't the planners and board members all unpaid volunteers?
Without receipts to actual firms, businesses, or individuals, it's like this guy just made up numbers to account for the money he took from the register then split town. Given the non-profit status of the museum there have got to be governing regulations in place. Something.
Can the Attorney General freeze his assets pending investigation or do they need some greater evidence of wrongdoing first?
This seriously annoys me. Both at the alleged perpetrator and the board members. Perhaps we're not all as prone to scrutinize others we believe to share a common interest, but surely with that amount of money changing hands somebody would have thought to safeguard the process by instituting a budget oversight committee.
*sigh* Such is the way of the world. As long as there are people with good and honest intentions there will those who will exploit them. I suppose given that we should all learn to keep a most skeptical eye towards such processes aiming to enrich society and the greater good.
That said, accountability must be had for those who have done wrong here.
WacoFan
Bigly
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
Not that I've seen or heard. It will probably take a while.
Not that I've seen or heard. It will probably take a while.
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
Just found this. Unbelievable!
Just found this. Unbelievable!
The former executive director of the Airline History Museum in Kansas City pleaded guilty Monday to one count of stealing.
Paul D. Sloan of Belton was sentenced to five years supervised probation. In addition, he cannot handle money or fundraising for any not-for-profit groups during that period and must pay $10,000 in restitution in $200 monthly installments.
Paul D. Sloan of Belton was sentenced to five years supervised probation. In addition, he cannot handle money or fundraising for any not-for-profit groups during that period and must pay $10,000 in restitution in $200 monthly installments.
Sloan was accused of stealing from the museum in 2007 and 2008, according to the complaint and a probable cause statement filed by Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley. Sloan wrote checks, made withdrawals or asked for payments totaling more than $51,000 from bank accounts connected with the museum, located at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport.
JOEFRIDAY2
Well-Known Member
Re: Embezzlement: Airline History Museum Director/Kansas Ci
So tell me about the Floral and Equipment Rental expenses?
Joe
So tell me about the Floral and Equipment Rental expenses?
Joe