All-Star Baseball Player Pleads Guilty for Bankruptcy Fraud

Lenny Dykstra, a former Ventura County resident and three-time All-Star who played outfield with the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, could face up to 20 years in prison for bankruptcy fraud.

In Summer 2009, Dykstra filed for bankruptcy protection, claiming he owed more than $31 million and had only $50,000 in assets. After filing, federal investigators alleged Dykstra hid or sold anywhere between $200,000 and $400,000 worth of property, including sports memorabilia, furniture and fixtures, belonging to the bankruptcy estate without the trustee’s permission. Court documents showed Dykstra stripped his mansion clean of its items and sold high-end stoves, sconces and plumbing fixtures, including a $50,000 sink.

Court documents filed in November stated that prosecutors felt a 30-month sentence was appropriate for Dykstra because he “acted as if he was above the law for years.” He pled guilty to bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets and money laundering in July 2012.

Prison Sentence for Bankruptcy Fraud

Dykstra was sentenced to 6 ½ months in prison. U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson also ordered Dykstra to pay $200,000 in restitution and to perform 500 hours of community service.

In addition to this time for bankruptcy, Dykstra was sentenced earlier this year to three years in state prison for grand theft auto and filing a false financial statement in connection with a scheme a judge described as an effort to steal cars that showed “sophistication [and] planning.” He also received nine months in jail for exposing himself to a woman.

Bankruptcy can be a great financial tool, but make sure you contact a lawyer to properly handle your bankruptcy case.