Ex-Sports Anchor Charged With Misusing Hall of Fame Funds For Vintage Cars — Arrested in $236K Audit Scandal

A former Alabama sports caster has been arrested after authorities said he misused public funds from the International Motorsports Hall of Fame for personal expenses.

Mike Raita, the 67-year-old veteran sports anchor, was taken into custody on Thursday following a grand jury indictment. Officials said he used his position to siphon tens of thousands of dollars during his tenure (2020 - 2024) as executive director of the Talladega-based institution.

According to The New York Post, the investigators shared that an audit found that $236,000 went missing between 2019 and 2024. The report was quickly linked with the missing funds to improper spending by a former accounts manager. Raita led the Hall of Fame from 2020 to 204.

The audit report was filed by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. It mentioned that Raita charged at least two personal purchases to the organisation. These included a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car and a 1998 Ford F-150 pickup truck.

The Camaro cost approximately $150,000 upfront. Additionally, a total of $23,000 was also needed for its repairs. Meanwhile, the pickup truck was listed at $1,000. Investigators said both purchases were billed to the Hall of Fame’s commission.

Raita is now facing a charge of using his position for personal gain. However, he was released later the same day on a $25,000 bond. Moreover, his legal team told AL.com that he plans to plead not guilty.

The audit has helped in major changes at the organisation. Every board member, including Raita, was removed after the case became public. A new board was also appointed in November 2025 by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

Before his role at the Hall of Fame, Raita was famous for being an important figure in Alabama Sports Media. He worked at ABC 33/40 for about 20 years. Plus, he led the sports department and hosted a popular segment titled, The Zone.

During his career, he also won several Emmy awards and was named Alabama Sports caster of the Year by the Associated Press ten times. Raita left the station in 2017 after his contract ended.

Outside of his Hall of Fame role, Raita also worked in Politics. He currently serves as a regional director for U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. Hence, people are expecting a comment on his case from the senator’s office.