Former Shakopee American Legion Commander Charged in Swindling 'Burger Night' Fund

Roger Oswald, the former commander of the Shakopee American Legion Post 2, has been charged with swindle after writing a check for $1,975.96 from the post's "burger night" fund into his personal account.

Oswald, 55, was charged earlier this week after a four-month investigation by Shakopee Police.

Oswald told police he kept the money because one of the members threatened to give it to the auxiliary of the American Legion, according to a criminal complaint filed in Scott County District Court.

Oswald wrote the check in April 2012 when, as post commander, he was an authorized signer.

American Legion board members reported Oswald to police in September, and they spoke with him in October.

He said then that he still had the hamburger money and would return it to the post.

But in November, Oswald told a Shakopee police detective that he only had $100 left of the money and had made several donations with the rest.

Oswald told the detective he would return the $100 and provide receipts to the American Legion by Dec. 4.

When the detective called the Shakopee Legion on Dec. 4, he was told that Oswald had not done so.

The new Legion commander, Kim Macick, told the Savage Pacer that the club still has unaccounted funds from four to five months of kitchen sales.

“Hopefully we never have to put a club through that again,” he said. “It may sound like it’s only $1,900, but there’s a lot of money we’re missing that should have been there.”

Oswald is due in court on Feb. 4.