DODGE CENTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Following a nearly two-month fraud investigation into the alleged misuse of Dodge Center American Legion funds, authorities have arrested a Dodge Center man.
Dodge County authorities report the investigation began in August 2026 after legion representatives discovered records indicating its former treasurer and commander Rich Klindworth, 52, has used more than $16,000 for personal expenses.
Further digging by authorities revealed more than $75,000 in suspected unauthorized spending online and in person dating back to 2024.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a rural Dodge Center home Wednesday morning. During the search, investigators found multiple items including firearms in Klindworth’s home that appear to have been purchased with legion funds.
Klindworth made his first court appearance Thursday morning and is charged with one…
These frauds exploit emotional vulnerability and trust rather than technical weaknesses.
- Romance Scams: Scammers build long-term online relationships with victims, eventually fabricating a “crisis” (medical emergency, legal trouble, or travel costs) that requires the victim to send money.
- Pig Butchering: A hybrid scam where the criminal builds a romantic or platonic relationship to eventually “tutor” the victim in a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment.