A former sports anchor has found himself in legal trouble after being accused of embezzling a significant amount of money from Alabama’s International Motorsports Hall of Fame. The funds, reportedly used to buy vintage cars, have led to his arrest on Thursday.
Mike Raita, who was a familiar face on ABC 33/40’s sports desk for 20 years until his departure in 2017, was taken into custody following a grand jury indictment, as reported by CBS 42. The 67-year-old’s actions came to light during a recent audit of the Hall of Fame, located in Talladega, which uncovered a former accounts manager’s alleged misappropriation of $236,000 between 2019 and 2024.
Raita served as the executive director of the organization from 2020 to 2024, according to his LinkedIn profile. During his tenure, he is accused of charging the organization for at least two significant personal acquisitions. These transactions were detailed in a report by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
The incriminating report reveals that Raita allegedly used Hall of Fame funds to purchase a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car and a 1998 F-150. These purchases have placed him at the center of a financial scandal that has raised eyebrows and led to his legal woes.
Raita allegedly billed at least two major personal purchases to the hall’s commission during his stint at its helm, according to a report filed by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
The damning report disclosed Raita’s purported purchases of a 1968 Camaro Convertible Pace Car and a 1998 F-150.
The vintage Camaro cost $15,000 up front, but required roughly $23,000 extra to refurbish, the report said.
The pickup truck, meanwhile, cost $1,000, according to the report.
Everyone on the hall’s board, including Raita, was removed in the wake of the audit. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s fresh appointees reseated the board in November 2025, with Raita notably absent.
The ex-anchor’s directorial position was a part-time gig. Outside of Talladega, he currently serves as the regional director for Sen. Tommy Tuberville, according to his LinkedIn.
The Post reached out to Tuberville’s office for comment.
Raita was released on a $25,000 bond on Thursday. He was charged with using his position or office for personal gain, CBS 42 reported.
His legal team told AL.com that he plans to plead not guilty.
In his heyday on the sports desk, Raita clinched several Emmy awards and was named the Alabama Sportscaster of the Year by the Associated Press a whopping 10 times.
He was best known as the host of “The Zone” at the Birmingham station. During the segment, he would highlight sports news across the state and help platform local field reporters.
Raita was released from the network when his contract expired in 2017.
