Former International Motor Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Indicted on Ethics Charge

April 7. 2026 - Montgomery, Ala. - Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that former International Motor Sports Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) Executive Director Michael Raita, 67, has been indicted and arrested on a felony ethics charge alleging the use of public employment for personal gain.

Raita, a resident of Chelsea, voluntarily surrendered to the Talladega County Sheriff's Office following the indictment.

Allegations Stemming From State Audit

The Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Division secured the indictment after an investigation prompted by an audit conducted by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. At the time of the alleged misconduct, Raita served as the executive director of the IMSHOF, a public entity located in Talladega.

According to the indictment, Raita is accused of leveraging his position to orchestrate the sale of a 1968 Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car owned by the Hall of Fame. The vehicle was advertised for sale "as is" through a bidding process. Prosecutors allege that Raita secured the winning bid for $15,000, then directed the organization to spend nearly $23,000 on repairs to the car-despite the "as is" condition under which it was offered.

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Raita faces up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The charge-use of public employment for personal gain-is classified as a Class B felony under Alabama law.

State officials emphasized that no additional details about the investigation or alleged conduct will be released at this time.

Acknowledgment of Assistance

Attorney General Marshall expressed appreciation to the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame for their cooperation throughout the investigation.

Note: An indictment is a formal accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.