Closing arguments held in sports institute embezzling trial

Prosecutors say the founder of the Rhode Island-based Institute for International Sport pillaged his creation.

Closing arguments were held Monday in Washington County Superior Court in the trial of Dan Doyle, who created and ran the institute.

Doyle, of West Hartford, Connecticut, faces 18 counts, including embezzlement and forgery. Prosecutors say Doyle couldn't account for hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Rhode Island state government and two philanthropists.

Defense attorney Michael Blanchard argued there may be some civil liability resulting from the institute's finances, but no criminal act. He also suggested that the institute's board may be to blame.

Prosecutor J. Patrick Youngs told jurors that the board existed only on paper and that Doyle ran the institute, which was created to help forge international ties through sports.