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Former New York Mets/Philadelphia Phillies baseball star Lenny Dystra arraigned on federal charges
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Lenny Dykstra #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during Game three of the 1993 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Veterans Stadium on October 19, 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former major league baseball player Lenny Dykstra was scheduled to be arraigned on federal charges this morning in Los Angeles.
The all-star outfielder for the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies is accused of bankruptcy fraud and obstruction of justice related to his bankruptcy filing two years ago.
A 13-count federal grand jury indictment alleges that after he’d filed for protection, Lenny Dykstra moved valuables out of his $18 million mansion in Ventura County, including chandeliers, artwork and sports memorabilia related to his career.
Prosecutors allege he then lied under oath about selling, destroying and hiding the property, valued at nearly a half million dollars, that should have gone to his creditors.
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Dykstra’s attorney told the Associated Press that his client did not commit fraud, and that the case stems from a dispute with the bankruptcy trustee.
If a jury convicts him on all 13 counts, Dysktra, whose fans called him “Nails,” faces up to 80 years in prison.
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