Goss pleads guilty in American Legion embezzlement

A former American Legion commander in a Wednesday court hearing admitted to bilking thousands of dollars from his organization’s bingo fund.
John Milton Goss, 64, of Wytheville pleaded guilty in Wythe County Circuit Court to nine felony charges related to the thefts. His sentencing was delayed until Sept. 25 to give the probation office time to prepare a report used by judges in deciding defendants’ fates.
Indicted in January, Goss was accused of embezzling money from Wytheville’s American Legion Post 9, a community service organization for veterans that held bingo games to raise money.
Goss managed the fundraisers and took nearly $59,000 between 2004 and 2007, according to the commonwealth’s attorney.
In Wednesday’s criminal case, Goss pleaded guilty to five counts of embezzlement and four counts of perjury related to false statements made on forms submitted to the Virginia Department of Charitable Gaming, which investigated the theft.
Goss is also facing a civil lawsuit filed by the local post seeking $45,000 in damages. In a one-page letter, Goss denied owing the organization any money. The suit is pending.
Goss will remain free on bond until his criminal sentencing.
--Staff report