A former owner of Charlton Athletic, Thomas Sandgaard, has been charged with fraud, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
At 67 years old, Sandgaard, who held ownership of the south-east London football club from 2020 to 2023, is an inventor and investor. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on a total of 15 charges.
Details of the Charges
The allegations stem from Sandgaard’s tenure as chief executive of Zynex from 2017 to 2025. The indictment claims that he, along with chief operating officer Anna Lucsok, orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently acquire millions of dollars from both government and private healthcare payers, as well as patients.
US Attorney Charles C. Calenda stated that both individuals face one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, mail fraud, and securities fraud, in addition to nine counts of healthcare fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft.
Background and Controversies
A grand jury is convened by a prosecutor to assess whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a prosecution, determining if probable cause is present for believing a crime has occurred.
In a controversial incident, when financial reporters questioned Zynex’s business practices, Sandgaard allegedly sent used female underwear to a reporter’s spouse at their home, accompanied by a thank-you card that referenced the reporter’s purported „illicit behavior.“ Furthermore, he reportedly enrolled reporters in therapy sessions, citing conditions such as erectile dysfunction.
During Sandgaard’s three-year ownership of Charlton, the club experienced significant instability, changing managers five times while remaining in League One, leading supporters to describe the period as its „lowest ebb in living memory.“ In his farewell message, he remarked that the „journey has indeed been bittersweet, painted with both criticism and appreciation.“
Bildquelle: Filip Andrejevic auf Unsplash
