Man accused of stealing donations for special needs sports league in Oakland Co.
Charles E. RamirezA parole absconder from Flint has been arrested for allegedly stealing donations collected in Waterford Township for disabled children earlier this month, officials said.
John Allen Rowell, 41, has been charged with larceny in a building, a four-year felony, court records said.
Police allege Rowell went to the Century Bowl at 7345 Highland Road near North Oakland Boulevard on Jan. 6. At the time, the bowling alley was hosting a fundraiser for a charity called the Miracle League of Oakland County. The group works to provide children with disabilities opportunities to play baseball.
According to investigators, the fundraiser's organizers collected cash and checks and placed them in a brown bank bag kept at the event's registration table.
Officials allege Rowell took the bag, which had about $300 in cash and $210 in checks, and left the bowling alley before anyone noticed.
Police were called and began investigating. Officials reviewed security video footage and officers also found a motel room key the suspect left behind. Both helped police identify the suspect as Rowell, authorities said.
Detectives tracked Rowell to a Flint-area motel and he was arrested with the help of Michigan State Police troopers and police officers with the White Lake Township and Flint Township departments.
Rowell absconded from parole in September, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
He was sentenced in April in Genesee County to up to six years in prison after pleading to charges of resisting arrest, breaking and entering as well as malicious destruction of police property, according to the department.
He also has a criminal record that includes convictions for safe breaking, bank robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, home invasion and possessing contraband in prison, officials said.
Rowell remained in the Oakland County Jail on Wednesday.
An attorney representing him was not listed in court records.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
X: @CharlesERamirez