Former Baltimore Blast GM convicted of embezzlement

The former general manager of the Baltimore Blast pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of theft. Gianni Tumminello pleaded guilty in Baltimore County Circuit Court to embezzling $100,000 from the football team, and he agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution to Blast owner Ed Hale. The judge could have sentenced Tumminello to 10 years in prison, but instead decided on three years of probation. Hale was not happy. He walked out of court disappointed but not defeated, calling his former employee worse than ever, and he criticized the prosecutor. The defense interrupted Hale's victim impact statement six times, saying it was inappropriate, during what turned into a contentious hearing with accusations being thrown around. “I told the judge he was a lying, stealing forger,” Hale told 11 News. “(I'm) disappointed. I would have liked to see him go to prison for all the treason he did, the theft, forgery and everything. He got probation.” Hale claimed Tumminello stole up to $500,000. mainly by forging his name on checks. Investigators determined that Tumminello created his own Venmo account and fraudulently obtained money to pay for things like home renovations, Baltimore Ravens tickets and to give bonuses to certain players. Hale argued that the embezzlement nearly led to the football team's bankruptcy. but I really love the game, I really love the game and I love the fans,” Hale told 11 News. However, Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Battista noted that he doesn't There had been no audit detailing the losses He cited factors including the sentencing guidelines, the lack of a criminal history and the fact that Tumminello showed up in court with a check for. $100,000 compensation to justify his decision “He shouldn’t be on the streets at all, and at some point God will. to have it one day,” Hale told 11 News. “The justice system would have what he said, 10 years, would suspend some, but not all of them – and (Tumminello) would go to prison.” Tumminello would turned to Hale in court saying, “I apologize, Mr. Hale, I'm sorry. ” He told the judge: “I wasn't raised to be like that. I embarrassed my family. I swear to never make those mistakes again.” Hale didn't believe it, telling 11 News, “No, that's a lie.” Tumminello's lawyer told the judge his client had become overwhelmed as as general manager, that he felt bullied and his mental health deteriorated, leading to a nervous breakdown The lawyer said Tumminello spent time with Sheppard Pratt dealing with bipolar disorder, PTSD. and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. The judge ordered Tumminello to continue therapy. Hale said the court's decision sends the message that crime pays. He said he plans to file a civil suit.