A former board member and president of a St. Louis-based non-profit circus pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $123,000 from the organization over a period spanning December 2022 through at least September 2023.
George S. Pace, 63, of Ladue, entered his plea on four counts of wire fraud in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. According to court documents, Pace obtained a credit card without the knowledge or approval of the circus and used it for personal expenses such as payments to nail salons, restaurants, and skin care treatments. He also used a second credit card for additional unauthorized purchases including horseback riding expenses and restaurant bills.
When another official at the circus questioned the charges on the second card, Pace falsely claimed that the card had been stolen and provided forged account statements to suggest he had resolved the issue.
Pace further admitted to diverting checks drawn on the circus’ bank account for his own use instead of applying them toward paying down a line of credit. This diversion resulted in additional interest costs for the organization. Additionally, he deposited donor checks made out to the circus into his personal bank account.
In total, Pace acknowledged defrauding the circus out of $123,015.94 during his tenure as both a board member since 2020 and later as board president.
The plea agreement also states that Pace attempted to obtain two U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans totaling $29,400 by submitting fraudulent applications; both loan requests were denied by the SBA.
Sentencing is set for May 4. Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000.
The FBI conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll is leading prosecution efforts.
