LISTEN: Facing trial, Doyle protests his innocence, says sport institute goes on

Dan Doyle talks with reporters in Providence. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Dan Doyle talks with reporters in Providence. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

With his trial on embezzlement, forgery and counterfeiting charges set to begin in September, Daniel Doyle and his lawyer called reporters together Monday to say he was portrayed unfairly prosecutors and the media, questioning whether he can get a fair trial.

“I will not leave this planet until my name is cleared, as in completely cleared,” Doyle told reporters in his attorney’s Providence office. “And I will not leave this planet until the individuals behind this are held fully accountable.”

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Doyle, 67, was arrested May 3, 2013 at his home in West Hartford, Conn., and charged with multiple counts of embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, forgery, counterfeiting and filing false documents in connection with the Institute for International Sport, based at the University of Rhode Island.

Prosecutors allege he personally obtained more than $1 million dollars in unauthorized salary increases, bonuses and personal expenses through the Institute, which he founded to run the World Scholar-Athlete Games. Doyle has denied the charges, and a trial date is set for September 16 in Washington County Superior Court.

Doyle’s attorney, Chip Muller called the charges “baseless”.

“The charges against Dan are only accusations, and yet they have had a devastating impact on Dan and his family,” said Muller. Neither he nor Doyle would expand on the impact of the charges, nor to refute the charges in any way.

Doyle said he is continuing to personally support the Institute from his own pocket, adding that a “major focal point” of his work since the charges were brought has been to create new assets for the Institute to ensure its future, including a play on the life of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, a CD of songs he recorded and a documentary on the grand jury system.

Doyle also said that he would issue a call for non-violent protest among athletes.

A spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s office had no comment on Doyle’s assertions.