A former US Golf employee has been charged with allegedly working with two ticket resale brokers to provide them with about 23,000 stolen tickets between 2013 and 2019.
Robert Fryer, a former assistant director for the US Golf Association’s (USGA) ticketing office, has been accused of providing the resellers with tickets worth more than $3.4m over the seven-year time frame. It is alleged that Fryer made a profit of more than $1m through this fraudulent scheme.
The embezzled tickets were for the US Open, which is one of four ‘major’ tournaments on the golf calendar.
The Department of Justice, US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, released a statement, which said: “Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Robert Fryer, 39, of Perkasie, PA, was charged by Information with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, and 10 counts of wire fraud related to a scheme to embezzle and pocket fraudulent proceeds from the unauthorised sale of United Sates Open Championship (‘US Open’) tickets.”
The statement alleged that Fryer, who was employed by the USGA in the admissions office, abused his position of power.
Acting US Attorney Williams also said: “The defendant allegedly stole revenue from a legitimate business that pays taxes, employs many, supports a non-profit organisation, and brings excitement and income to our district with US Open events at courses like the Merion Golf Club.”
She added: “Criminals that conduct ticket schemes like this prey on the excitement surrounding big events; fans should remember that any item with a low price that seems ‘too good to be true’ should be cause for caution and concern.”
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 300 years and a $3.75m fine.
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