NEWS RELEASE                                             

For Immediate Release
March 7, 2008
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
  (850) 651-7420

SPORTS BROADCASTER FACES INVESTMENT FRAUD CHARGES


Scott McKinney

     A Santa Rosa Beach sports talk radio host was arrested today (Friday) on six counts of committing investment fraud by selling investment opportunities in several of his companies.

     42-year old Charles Scott McKinney of 24 Seaward Drive in Santa Rosa Beach is also charged with theft and racketeering. His arrest is the result of a joint investigation between the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Financial Investigations with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.  Investigators say between July 2005 and December 2006, McKinney used his professional status as a sports talk radio host associated with Southern Sports Tonight to gain access to, and the trust of, local investors. They say he issued them Membership Stock Certificates, provided Partnership Agreements, and Business Prospectuses. By providing false and misleading information and as a result of his actions, McKinney obtained nearly $140,000.  

      Investigators say a financial analysis indicates McKinney used the funds for personal use, rather than to promote and/or equip the companies; Southern Sports Tonight, LLC, Barking Dog Media, LLC, and/or Southeastern Broadcasting, LLC. In addition, he failed to inform new investors of additional investors and/or partners.

     Anyone who has any further information is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 850-609-2000.

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