Former Co-Owner of Mixed Martial Arts Studio Charged with Embezzlement, Identity Fraud, Theft and Other Crimes

Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III announced today that Michael Perry, a former co-owner of Groundswell MMA LLC, in Frederick, Maryland, has been charged with embezzlement (misappropriation by a fiduciary), felony theft scheme, felony theft, several counts of identity fraud, and failure to file a Maryland tax return.

During the course of a business relationship, the indictment alleges that Perry embezzled over $66,000 in company funds by converting them for his personal benefit in breach of his fiduciary duty. The indictment further alleges Perry used the personal identifying information of his former business partner to obtain a credit card and obtain financing and additional funds in his former partner’s name.

Perry is also alleged to have failed to file a Maryland Income Tax Return for 2022.

All individuals who are charged with a criminal offense are presumed to be innocent.

A copy of the charging document can be found HERE.

Contact: media.osp@maryland.gov