From staff reports

COLUMBIA CITY — Charges have been filed through the Whitley County Circuit Court against former Columbia City Parks Department Director Mark D. Green in an alleged baseball card-selling scheme.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed April 18 in Whitley Circuit Court, Green, 51, of Columbia City, is accused of using a parks department credit card to buy items from a Fort Wayne sports cards and collectibles store. The city most recently had an invoice for $2,250 from the business, “purported to be for ‘Tennis and Volleyball Net Repair.’ … most of the original invoices were difficult to read and Green would write on the invoice to make it look like it was equipment purchased for the City.” Roland Purdy, an Indiana State Police detective investigating the case, wrote in the probable cause that the owner of the collectibles business said Green used the city’s credit card to buy baseball cards that he told the business’ staff would be sold in concession stands at city parks.

“Green also said the kids loved the cards and that he was allowed to make purchases on the Columbia City credit card as long as Green reimbursed the City,” Purdy wrote.

The probable cause also alleges that invoices from the business were altered to make it appear as if it sold, maintained or repaired sports equipment.

Green faces:

• Four counts of corrupt business influence, Level 5 felonies

• Four counts of theft, property greater than $50,000, Level 5 felonies

• One count of theft, property value between $750-$50,000

• One count of official misconduct, public servant, Level 6 felony

Green agreed to speak to police without a lawyer present and said “he collects sports cards and then sells them on eBay. He said he had been purchasing sports cards on the City’s credit card for several years. Green said he had no idea how much he had spent on cards and said was afraid to find out,” according to the probable cause affidavit.

He also allegedly admitted to altering invoices and claiming the income he made from selling the cards on eBay using the city’s tax-exempt status.

According to an investigation conducted by detectives with Indiana State Police Special Investigations Unit, parks department budgetary funds totaling just under $250,000 were spent on unauthorized purchases using the city’s credit card from 2018 through March 2023.

Green, who had served with the Columbia City Parks Department for 20 years before being fired a month ago, was booked into the Whitley County Jail the evening of April 19, and was released soon after in lieu of $50,000 bond.

It was reported in March via a statement by Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel that the city had become aware of “suspicious financial activity” within the parks department.

After being notified by the Columbia City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office in regards to questionable expenditures, the ISP conducted its investigation. Green was then removed from his position.

Green was expected to be in court for an initial hearing April 24. However, his attorney was not available, so his initial hearing was postponed until May 8.