TALLADEGA, Ala. (WBRC) – Former Birmingham sportscaster Mike Raita was arrested Thursday, April 2 and charged with using his official position or office for personal gain.
The 67-year old former sports director for ABC 33/40 was released the same day on a $25,000 bond.
Raita was executive director at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (IMHOF) from 2020 until 2024. A state audit released in 2025 found the former part-time IMHOF accounts manager allegedly stole more than $200,000.
The same audit also found that “the former executive director”, who WBRC has identified as Raita based on sourcing and the audit’s timeline, purchased a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro convertible pace car for $15,000 in April 2023, 16 months after the commission advertised the vehicle for sale simply as “1968 Chevrolet” in a local newspaper…