Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Former New York Mets/Philadelphia Phillies baseball star Lenny Dystra arraigned on federal charges

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.
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.
(
Rick Stewart/Getty Images
)

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

Listen 0:58
Former New York Mets/Philadelphia Phillies baseball star Lenny Dystra arraigned on federal charges
Former New York Mets/Philadelphia Phillies baseball star Lenny Dystra arraigned on federal charges

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.

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.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today