Man promised food bank access to Cowboys stars. But he stole $41k, Texas officials say
A man posing as a CEO of a marketing agency defrauded a Texas food bank out of thousands of dollars after promising Dallas Cowboys players would appear at an event, prosecutors say.
Timothy Barnes Gardner pleaded guilty to securing execution of a document by deception and theft of property — both third-degree felonies — in a scheme that began in October 2017, according to an indictment from the 341st District Court in Webb County.
Gardner told the South Texas Food Bank director that Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, and Jason Witten, a tight end at the time, would be at a fundraising event in Laredo, the indictment said.
Based on that agreement, Gardner was given $41,000 from the food bank, according to a news release.
However, the two players never showed up at the February 2018 event.
Prescott still plays for the Cowboys and Witten is retired.
Gardner told the food bank director that he was the CEO of Integrity Marketing Associates, and signed a contract promising the football players involvement. According to the release, he claimed “to contract professional athletes to make appearances for non-profit organizations.”
According to court documents, Prescott was set to do a motivational speech at the fundraiser on Feb. 24, as well as autograph items that were to be auctioned off. Witten was to attend the event and also autograph items.
Gardner was sentenced to 10 years probation, 300 hours of community service and $57,043 in restitution to the food bank.
