Man Indicted for Stealing $670k from American Legion Post

Somerset County, MD - A Wicomico County man is facing charges after allegedly stealing more than $670,000 from the Crisfield American Legion Post 16. A Somerset County grand jury indicted 56-year-old Donald Lee Waters Jr., of Salisbury, Maryland, on January 16, 2026. He is now set to appear before the Circuit Court for Somerset County.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division - Eastern Region. Authorities looked into missing funds that were raised through licensed charitable operations at the post. Investigators allege that Waters used his position of trust within the organization to steal approximately $670,394 between mid-2021 and August 2024.

Waters faces multiple charges, including theft over $100,000, theft scheme, and other related financial offenses. The investigation involved extensive financial analysis, the execution of several search warrants, and multiple court orders. Maryland State Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Eastern Shore Undercover has received an official statement from the Law Office of Anthenelli, Phoebus and Hickman, LLC. The statement is posted below:

"Statement from Stanley Cochrane Post 16 of American Legion Regarding Theft of Slot Machine Proceeds

Crisfield, Maryland - Stanley Cochrane Post 16 of the American Legion acknowledges the recent indictment of former Post Commander Donald Waters for theft from our Post. While the judicial process must be allowed to proceed, we recognize the concern this news may cause for our members, donors, and community partners.

We are deeply disappointed by the alleged theft and the harm it has caused to our fraternal mission of supporting our veterans and our ability to support local nonprofits such as the fire department, the ambulance squad, and the chamber of commerce. The trust placed in our Post and the resources entrusted to us to serve veterans and our community are paramount.

Mr. Waters has been suspended from his position as post commander, barred from the post, and new leadership is in place. The Post's Executive Committee is taking steps to improve financial controls and oversight measures to help ensure that funds are protected and used solely for their intended charitable and veterans' service purposes.

From the outset, Post 16 has cooperated and will continue to cooperate fully with the Maryland State Police, the Somerset County State's Attorney's Office, the Maryland Comptroller, and the American Legion Department of Maryland. We are grateful for their professionalism and guidance throughout this matter.

American Legion Post 16 remains open, operational, and steadfast in its commitment to serving veterans, their families, and the broader community. We will continue our programs and community partnerships, and we appreciate the continued support of our members, donors, and neighbors as we move forward."

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.