The Chicago Tribune recently unveiled that a former Augusta National Golf Club worker has been charged with a long-term theft of Masters tournament merchandise and memorabilia, valued at millions of dollars. The revelation comes shortly after the latest Masters tournament concluded, casting a shadow over the event.
The individual, a 39-year-old from Augusta, is alleged to have taken items from the club between 2009 and 2022 and transported them to Tampa, Florida, resulting in charges related to interstate transport of stolen goods. The specifics of the stolen items are yet to be disclosed, and it remains a mystery why the legal proceedings were initiated in Chicago.
This incident adds to a series of legal challenges at Augusta National, including past litigations against auction houses and efforts to curb ticket scalping. The method of charging by information suggests the accused might be preparing for a guilty plea. If convicted, he will be required to return the stolen items or any profits from their sale.