Local Golf Course Developer Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy Fraud, Money Laundering

CINCINNATI—Golf course and real estate developer Michael R. Macke, 61, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count each of bankruptcy fraud and money laundering.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Darryl Williams, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS); Edward J. Hanko, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Dugan Wong, Assistant Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Daniel M. McDermott, United States Trustee, Region 9, (Ohio/Michigan); announced the pleas entered yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.

According to court documents, Macke over the course of more than 20 years, developed and managed golf courses and developed housing on golf courses. In 2007, Macke engaged in a scheme to defraud his creditors and the bankruptcy court by transferring the money to purchase Elks Run Golf Course in Batavia, the ownership of which was then transferred into a trust he established for the benefit of his wife. Macke made these transfers in contemplation of bankruptcy, and failed to disclose the transfers or the trust in his bankruptcy case.

Macke admitted that he committed money laundering by drawing a $75,000 check as part of the purchase of Elks Run from an insurance trust account he had concealed from the bankruptcy court.

The plea agreement includes a sentencing range of 12 to 24 months. Judge Barrett can also order Macke to pay restitution. Judge Barrett will schedule a date for sentencing. Macke will remain free on bond until sentencing.

Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by FBI and IRS agents and Postal Inspectors, as well as Senior Litigation Counsel Anne L. Porter and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean Wyman, who are prosecuting the case.