A former city official entrusted with helping grow the local economy is heading to prison, after admitting to a series of personal spending sprees funded by public and charitable dollars.
Michael Running, the former Executive Director of the Dumas Economic Development Corporation (EDC), was sentenced Monday to three years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division. The sentencing comes after Running pleaded guilty earlier this month to charges of Theft and Misapplication of Fiduciary Property—both tied to his misuse of funds from the EDC and a local nonprofit.
According to a news release from the 69th District Attorney’s Office, Running used the EDC’s credit card for a range of personal expenses, none of which had any business justification. Among the more egregious examples cited in the release were:
A $17,000 family vacation to Disney World and the Bahamas, which also included his daughter’s boyfriend.
Regular housekeeping services at his personal residence.
A paid invoice to bury his deceased horse.
Despite having been instructed by board members to stop using the EDC credit card for personal use, Running continued to make unauthorized purchases. He later testified that he believed the card was his own, an explanation that contradicted multiple prior warnings and testimonies.
In addition to the EDC-related misconduct, Running was also indicted for embezzling from the Cowboy Classic Rodeo Association, a nonprofit organization that raises scholarship funds. He admitted to writing checks to himself from the association’s accounts and stealing approximately $46,000.
Running will serve three years in prison and has been ordered to pay a $5,000 fine for each charge.
District Attorney David Green of the 69th Judicial District condemned the actions in a statement:
"Public servants are expected to act with integrity and in the best interest of the community. When that trust is violated, it’s not just dollars lost—it’s faith in our institutions. This sentencing reflects a clear message: abuse of power and misuse of public funds will not be tolerated."
The Dumas EDC, which is funded by local sales taxes, plays a central role in economic development efforts for the city and surrounding area. Since the charges surfaced, the organization has launched an internal review and implemented stricter financial controls.
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