Ben Shoulders, a former Vanderburgh County Commissioner, finds himself in hot water as allegations surface regarding the improper use of campaign funds. The accusations claim that Shoulders spent more than $41,000 on luxurious baseball cards using a debit card linked to his campaign account, “Shoulders for Commissioner.” These expenses were reportedly mislabeled on campaign finance reports, with purchases like a $235 Johnny Bench rookie card and a $570 Satchel Paige card being disguised as campaign signs and banners.
The scandal unfolded when Shoulders contacted the Evansville Police Department in October 2023, reporting fraudulent activity on his campaign account. He alleged losing his debit card around April and disclaimed knowledge of the disputed charges made between May and August. However, investigations painted a different picture, revealing Shoulders as the sole authorized user of the account with a series of peculiar transactions, including acquiring nearly $500 worth of Pokémon cards labeled as signs from a local store.
Email records exposed a trail of high-value eBay purchases, such as 1965 and 1967 Mickey Mantle cards and a 1966 Willie Mays card, all delivered to Shoulders’ residence, confirming his involvement in using campaign funds for personal card collecting endeavors. Furthermore, attempts to secure over $26,000 from Old National Bank’s fraud department for reimbursement of the alleged fraudulent charges were futile, leading to his subsequent resignation from office in light of the mounting controversy.
Shoulders faced arrest and charges encompassing attempted fraud and filing a false report, with a $500 bond securing his release pending an upcoming court appearance. The investigation also unearthed discrepancies concerning checks designated as charitable donations, which were redirected into a business account controlled by Shoulders. The intricate web of misuse of funds and falsified reports painted a damning picture of the erstwhile commissioner’s activities.
The saga of Ben Shoulders serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of public funds and the weight of accountability in political offices. The seemingly innocuous act of purchasing collectible cards spiraled into a scandal that ultimately tarnished Shoulders’ reputation and led to legal consequences. As the legal proceedings unfold, the repercussions of his alleged actions reverberate throughout Vanderburgh County, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in public service.
