In June of 2013, detectives from the Vice/Narcotics Division received several complaints from the community regarding the TPR Casino operating in Charlotte Hall.

St, Mary;s County Sheriff’s Office detectives identified George Wells as the manager of the casino, reportedly being operated to benefit Thoroughbred Placement Resources Inc., (TPR); a charitable organization located in Prince George’s County and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

During a lengthy investigation, evidence revealed Wells used TPR Inc.,’s nonprofit charitable status as a front and intentionally used proceeds from the casino operation for his personal benefit.

Wells maintained thousands of dollars in proceeds were routinely being given to TPR Inc. when they were not.

TPR Inc.,’s president reported to investigators that she had no knowledge of the casino’s existence.

In December 2013, George Raymond Wells, 56, of Huntingtown, was formally charged with running a gambling house and theft scheme ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

On May 14, 2014, SMCSO Captain Dan Alioto and Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel White presented the president of TPR Inc., Kimberly Clarke, with a check in the amount of $18,981, proceeds obtained by Wells as a result of his scheme.  

“This investigation is a perfect example of the effectiveness of partnerships,” said Alioto. “From the original complaints received from the community to intelligence gathered by patrol deputies and the guidance provided from the state’s attorney’s office in conjunction with a thorough and detailed investigation. It was a very good day for all of us to be able to expose Wells and his illegal scheme and give this money to the rightful owner. This should send a clear message to anyone who thinks they will use a charitable organization as a front for illegal activity.”  

“This case was never about card games as much as it was about the defendant raising donations on behalf of a simple charity and then putting all the money into his pocket,” White said. “We are proud to have helped the Sheriff’s team return these funds to their rightful owner—decent hardworking people at TPR.”

“I think it’s wonderful! It really does save horses lives,” Kimberly Clarke, president of Thoroughbred Placement Resources Inc. “That money goes directly to saving their lives. So nice to have people do such a good thing because it was the right thing to do. It was a total surprise. We always struggle to raise money. It made a huge difference.

TDR Inc. counsels, consults and teaches others how to successfully transition, retrain and find homes for thoroughbreds. The organization helps trainers and owners find new homes and lives for their retiring or retired thoroughbred racehorses. 

TPR strives to improve the reputation of the thoroughbred by providing correct information about the breed.  

Clark, TPR’s founder, has written a book, “New Track, New Life: A Guide to Understanding and Re-Training Your Off-Track Thoroughbred,” to promote correct training principles through better understanding of ex-racers.

This book is available for free download to the public. TPR offers a clinic series both at the racetrack and at the farm to teach horsemen how to better understand and train retired Thoroughbred racehorses using hands-on methods. TPR, Inc. is a 501(c )(3) charitable organization run solely by volunteers.  One hundre