State Gave Tax Break To Con Man

KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- The MEGA Board has given a $9.1-million tax break to an embezzler and con-man, and Republicans are calling for an investigation. Richard Short still owes restitution for his last scam, and is still on probation. He is not allowed to have a credit card or even a checking account, and this little caper violated his probation.

You could see Short up on stage on Tuesday behind the Governor. Yesterday police appeared at the mobile home near Flint that doubles as his office and arrested him. Apparently the MEGA staff has never conducted background checks on applicants, but the Governor has already ordered that they start.

Short, claimed to be the CEO of RASCO, offering to bring his company headquarters to Flint and create 765 new jobs. Instead he sits in jail. Officials admit to being embarrassed, but say the only real money they have lost is the cash they spent processing his application.