CHUCK NORRIS - NORRIS' EX-CHARITY EXECUTIVE PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD

NORRIS' EX-CHARITY EXECUTIVE PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD

A former chief executive of CHUCK NORRIS' children's martial arts programme has pleaded guilty to fraud after stealing at least $130,000 (GBP65,000) from the charity. James D. Brasher appeared in a court in Texas on Thursday (24Jan08) and confessed to one count of uttering a forged security, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The 47-year-old admitted to opening numerous bank accounts with names similar to Norris' Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation - also known as Kickstart - through which he channelled funds intended for the charity to support his own lifestyle and pay off his debts. He claims to have taken a minimum of $130,000. Brasher is next due in court in April (08) for sentencing. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years behind bars, a $250,000 (GBP125,000) fine and a three-year probation period. Tough-guy Norris founded the charitable foundation in Texas in 1990 to help steer kids away from the temptations of gangs and drugs.