Officers Down 5K founder to stand trial on theft charges

A former police officer will stand trial on theft charges after a local police department accused him of running a fundraising event for them and mishandling the money raised.

T.J. Burke was in front of a Venango County magistrate for a preliminary hearing Wednesday.  11 Investigates was the first to report that Burke was charged earlier this month.  The judge decided there was enough evidence for Burke to stand trial for felony theft.

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Oil City police accuse Burke of mishandling and misappropriating funds that were raised last year during a charity race. The department claims Burke couldn't account for nearly $13,000.

Since the 11 Investigates' first report, people across the country have come forward with concerns about vendors not being paid and spouses of fallen officers not getting as much money as they believed they should have received.

Burke was the head of Officers Down 5K and managed fundraising events for police departments and fallen officers families' across the country.

Since the criminal charge was filed, Burke closed down his business.

Cox Media Group