Ex-Knights owner facing charges

June 23, 2006

By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News

The owner’s playbook failed to address the basics.

Nagging doubts about the Rev. David Gailbreath’s defensive schemes, management style and personal background led the team’s former general manager to question the legitimacy of the New Castle Knights.

City police also had concerns about the defunct semi-professional football team.

Gailbreath, 26, now faces charges of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive or fraudulent business practices. He is accused of directing approximately $1,500 of team funds for personal use.

Police filed the charges June 19 at District Judge Melissa Amodie’s office. They are all misdemeanor offenses.

The Smithfield Street resident’s preliminary hearing is July 18 at Lawrence County Central Court.

“Players were concerned about his defensive schemes,” said M. David Cochenour, the Knights’ one-time general manager. “The defensive playbook didn’t make any sense.

“It didn’t have basic plays. It almost looked like a Madden (NFL Football video) game playbook.”

However, Cochenour said it was Gailbreath’s reported spending practices that caused him to scrutinize team finances.

“At the time, I knew that Dave and his wife, Lori, did not work,” he said. “They had no income. People told me they saw them out and about eating at restaurants.

“When I heard that, I began to spot a pattern.”

According to the criminal complaint, Gailbreath provided investigators with a detailed list of expenditures. Approximately $590 went to pay Gailbreath’s mortgage, while he took $700 as salary, the report said. Money obtained from team sponsors and players also was used to pay for meals.

“He stated that he was entitled to the money,” Sgt. Kevin Seelbaugh wrote in the complaint.

Attempts to contact Gailbreath for comment were unsuccessful.

“Dave had a Visa Check card for team expenses,” Cochenour said. “When I looked at the bank items and I saw a lot of nonteam items, that’s when I contacted an attorney.”

Cochenour said he was told to take out the remaining funds in the Knights’ account, which totaled $1,500, and pay back whatever debts the team incurred.

“That money paid $800 worth of bills and $700 (was given) back to players. There was a lot of debts out there.”

Cochenour’s actions prompted Gailbreath and his wife to file a theft report with city police on May 11.

During its investigation of Gailbreath’s complaint, police spoke with Cochenour, Rick Sumner and Brenda Sumner. The three are now affiliated with the New Castle Thunder, a semi-pro team owned by Anthony Razzano.

“They explained to me that Gailbreath was spending the Knights’ money on food and other items not team related, which was part of the reason the Knights were reorganized under new ownership,” Seelbaugh wrote.

“They also explained that there were many inconsistencies with Gailbreath’s business practices.”

The report stated that Gailbreath spent $700 of the Knights’ $4,000 on team-related items.

“Hopefully, the Thunder will become a sports story,” Cochenour said.

Meanwhile, Gailbreath announced he would resurrect the Knights. Posting on the New Castle News Web site under the alias of New_Castle_Knights, Gailbreath told forum readers of his plans on June 17.

“I learned the hard truth that Lawrence County is not the area for this venture. The Knights will be moving elsewhere.”