Ep 7. Charity Begins at Home

In season 9, episode 7 of American Greed, titled "Charity Begins at Home," viewers are taken on a journey of deception and greed. The episode explores the actions of a well-regarded businessman and philanthropist who used his position to enrich himself while leaving his charity in ruins.

The episode opens up with a brief overview of the man in question, Bruce F. Mackey. He was a highly successful businessman in the medical equipment industry, and his company, Harbor Medical, was a major player in the industry. Mackey was well-known in his community for his charitable work and was a respected member of the community. But as the episode unfolds, viewers begin to see a darker side of the philanthropist.

The episode showcases how Mackey set up a charity, the Mackey Foundation, ostensibly to help underprivileged children. However, the foundation was merely a front for Mackey's corrupt practices. He funneled millions of dollars from the foundation's accounts to his own accounts, and those of his family and friends.

The episode goes on to show how Mackey brazenly used the foundation's funds for his own benefit. He took out a $3.5 million loan from the foundation and used the money to buy a house for himself. He also used foundation funds to pay his son's college tuition and for his daughter's wedding. Thanks to his power and influence in the community, many people turned a blind eye to Mackey's actions, allowing him to continue to enrich himself at the expense of his own charity.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to a whistle-blower who worked for the foundation. The whistle-blower, who wished to remain anonymous, noticed discrepancies in the foundation's accounts and began to investigate. He discovered that Mackey was siphoning funds from the charity and alerted the authorities.

From there, the episode shows how the authorities worked to build a case against Mackey, and how they ultimately brought him to justice. After a lengthy investigation, Mackey was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crimes.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given an inside look into the mind of a man driven by greed and how he used his power and influence to manipulate those around him. It also highlights the importance of transparency and oversight in the world of philanthropy, and how easy it is for people to get away with fraud if the proper safeguards aren't in place.

In conclusion, American Greed season 9, episode 7, "Charity Begins at Home" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and corruption. Viewers are given a fascinating insight into the dark side of philanthropy and how even the most respected members of society can engage in immoral and illegal behavior while escaping scrutiny, all while hiding behind the guise of good deeds. Ultimately, this episode serves as a stark reminder that without accountability, even the most altruistic endeavors can be manipulated for personal gain.