The Broward Sherriff's Office took Michael Cruz, former director of Pride South Florida, into custody June 24. Cruz was charged with Grand Theft in the Second Degree after entering a guilty plea for stealing $46,691 from the organization.
Cruz was sentenced by Judge Andrew L. Siegel to one year in the Broward County Jail, ten years probation, mandatory Gambler's Anonymous meetings upon release and full restitution of the missing funds. The judge ordered Cruz to pay $10,000 in restitution within one month of being released from custody and $400 a month until the $46,691 is paid back to Pride South Florida. A $46,691 lean was placed on Cruz's home.
Cruz was also ordered not to go to any casinos, bingo halls or pari-mutuel facilities while serving his ten years probation.
Daniel Young, Cruz's attorney and Joel Slotnick, secretary/treasurer of Pride South Florida and Marc Hansen, vice president of organization all asked the judge to sentence Cruz to probation and restitution with no jail time.
Assistant State Attorney Jared Gass called for some incarceration and probation saying the damage to Pride South Florida is immeasurable.
Editor's note: Ed Donato is a reporter with the South Florida Gay News and this article is used with permission.
