Former Charlton Athletic owner charged with fraud

A former owner of Charlton Athletic has been charged with fraud, the United States Attorney's Office has said.

Thomas Sandgaard, 67, who owned the south-east London football club between 2020 and 2023 and describes himself as an inventor and an investor, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on 15 charges in total.

The charges relate to the Danish-American's time as chief executive of Zynex between 2017 and 2025.

The indictment alleges that, along with chief operating officer Anna Lucsok, he "orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars from government and private healthcare payers and patients".

Sandgaard has been approached for comment.

US Attorney Charles C Calenda said both were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, mail fraud and securities fraud; nine counts of healthcare fraud, two counts of mail fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft.

A grand jury is set up by a prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence to pursue a prosecution.

In legal terms, it determines whether probable cause exists to believe a crime has been committed.

When financial reporters raised questions about Zynex's business practices, Sandgaard allegedly sent used female underwear to a reporter's spouse at the reporter's home with a thank-you card addressed to the spouse, detailing the reporter's alleged "illicit behavior", according to the US Attorney's Office in Rhode Island.

It added that he also signed reporters up for therapy sessions, listing conditions such as erectile dysfunction

During his three-year tenure as owner, Charlton had five different managers as the club remained in League One and reached what the supporters trust described as its "lowest ebb in living memory".

In his farewell message, he said the "journey has indeed been bittersweet, painted with both criticism and appreciation".

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