Dumas man sentenced for using EDC credit card to pay for vacations to Disney, Bahamas

DUMAS, Texas (KVII) — A Dumas man has been sentenced to three years in prison for misusing funds from the Dumas Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for personal expenses.

Michael Running, of Dumas, pleaded guilty to charges of theft and misapplication of fiduciary property on April 1.

During his sentencing, Running received a three-year sentence in prison and a $5,000 fine for each charge.

Running was indicted for using the EDC's credit card for personal expenditures, which included family vacations, housekeeping services at his home, and even an invoice to bury his deceased horse.

One of the most significant unauthorized purchases was a family vacation to Disney World and the Bahamas, which included his daughter's boyfriend. This trip cost the EDC approximately $17,000 and had no business purpose.

Running initially testified that he believed the credit card was his own, despite testimony from board members who had instructed him to cease using the card for personal expenses.

In addition to these charges, Running was also indicted for writing checks to himself from the Cowboy Classic Rodeo Association, a scholarship fundraising entity. He admitted to embezzling approximately $46,000 from the association.