Indictment of Former International Motor Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director for Use of Public Employment for Personal Gain

AG: Alabama Press Releases

Filed April 7th, 2026

Detected April 7th, 2026

Summary

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the indictment and arrest of Michael Raita, 67, former Executive Director of the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame (IMSHOF), on one count of use of public employment for personal gain. The indictment stems from an investigation by the AG's Special Prosecutions Division following an audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Raita is accused of selling an IMSHOF-owned 1968 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car, securing the winning bid for $15,000, then directing nearly $23,000 in repairs to the vehicle despite advertising it 'as is.'

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Alabama Attorney General's Office obtained an indictment against Michael Raita, former Executive Director of the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame, charging him with one count of use of public employment for personal gain. The indictment alleges that Raita exploited his position to personally benefit from the sale of a vintage vehicle owned by IMSHOF, securing a low purchase price while causing the organization to fund extensive repairs. The investigation originated from a state audit of IMSHOF conducted by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.

This indictment represents an enforcement action against abuse of public office for personal enrichment, which could set precedent for similar prosecutions in Alabama. Organizations receiving state oversight or audit requirements should review their asset disposition procedures and internal controls. Public officials and executives at state-affiliated entities should be aware that personal gain from their positions—even indirectly through related transactions—can result in felony charges with substantial prison sentences.

What to do next

Monitor for trial proceedings and court filings in this case
Prepare for potential testimony or documentation requests if your organization received audit scrutiny from the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts
Review internal controls for asset sales and procurement to prevent similar misuse of position

Penalties

If convicted, faces up to 20 years imprisonment and $30,000 fine for a class B felony under Alabama law.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Steve Marshall Announces Indictment of Former International Motor Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director

View PDF For Immediate Release:
April 7, 2026

For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230

(Montgomery, Ala) – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the indictment and arrest of former International Motor Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Michael Raita, 67, of Chelsea, on one count of the use of public employment for personal gain. Raita turned himself into the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office without incident.

The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division obtained an indictment of Raita after an investigation stemming from the audit conducted by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts into the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame (IMSHOF). At the time of the conduct charged in the indictment, Raita was the Executive Director of IMSHOF.

The indictment charges Raita with using his position as Executive Director of IMSHOF to put a 1968 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car owned by IMSHOF up for sale “as is” by bid, secure the winning bid for $15,000, and then cause the IMSHOF to put nearly $23,000 worth of repairs into the car, despite advertising the car “as is”.

If convicted, Raita faces a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $30,000 fine for the use of public employment for personal gain, which is a class B felony. No further information about the investigation or the alleged crimes may be released at this time.

Attorney General Marshall thanked the Department of the Examiners of Public Accounts and the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame for their assistance during the investigation of this matter.

** An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.*

-30-