BOISE, Idaho — A former Idaho American Legion leader has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly stealing over $1.4 million from a nonprofit serving military veterans.
Charles Thomas Abrahamson, 56, of Venice, Florida, faces wire fraud and tax fraud charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.
Court documents allege that between 2017 and 2024, Abrahamson held multiple leadership roles in a veterans’ nonprofit with operations in Idaho, including adjutant and commander. He also previously served as commander of the Idaho American Legion, a statewide nonprofit providing services for military veterans.
Prosecutors say Abrahamson used his access to the organization’s financial accounts to transfer funds to his personal bank accounts, pay personal credit cards, make unauthorized purchases, and withdraw cash for personal use. The scheme is alleged to have begun around 2018 and continued through April 2024.
The indictment also claims Abrahamson filed false federal tax returns for 2020, 2022, and 2023, underreporting his income. It includes a forfeiture allegation stating Abrahamson obtained or controlled at least $1,454,025 in property connected to the wire fraud charges.
If convicted, Abrahamson faces up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud and up to three years for tax fraud, in addition to potential restitution. U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis credited the investigation to IRS Criminal Investigation agents, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol is prosecuting the case.
