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Developer indicted for funneling money

WISCONSIN – As reported by the Chicago Tribune: "The former developer of Kenosha's proposed $808 million casino project was indicted Thursday on federal charges alleging he funneled $100,000 in improper campaign contributions to Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who has final approval over Indian gaming in the state.

"Dennis Troha, 60, of Kenosha was charged with one count of fraud and one count of making false statements to the FBI, the U.S. attorney's office in Milwaukee said. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

"The indictment alleges that Troha used family members and businesses he controlled to send money to Doyle's 2002 and 2006 campaigns. Troha allegedly would lend money to the family members, who would then write checks to Doyle's campaign, allowing Troha to circumvent the $10,000 cap on political donations by individuals. The money was only repaid early this year after federal investigators began looking into the case, the indictment said.

"Prosecutors did not accuse Doyle of wrongdoing.

"…Wisconsin's Menominee tribe hopes to build one of the Midwest's largest casinos at the site of the Dairyland greyhound track, 10 miles from Illinois off Interstate Highway 94.

"…Until late last month, Troha was the tribe's developer and point man in Kenosha. On Feb. 23, after news of the investigation surfaced, he announced he had pulled out and sold his interest for an undisclosed sum to the Mohegan tribe of Connecticut.

"…The indictment's impact on the project is unclear. The project has cleared two major hurdles in recent weeks, say backers, who maintain its benefits outweigh the scandal…"

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