CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A 19-page internal dossier anonymously mailed to Scioto Valley Guardian details allegations of election rigging, financial fraud and boardroom intimidation at the Pickaway County Sportsmen Inc., a nonprofit gun club whose leadership purge and legal spending has cost members an estimated $140,000, according to the document.
The report, dated Nov. 14, 2025, centers on Patrick C. Mahaffey, 72, of Chillicothe, identified on the cover page as “Alias: Mr. Patrick Mahaffey, Male, 72. Born July 29, 1953” beneath a photo of the longtime treasurer standing before an eagle banner reading “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.” (Document, Page 1)
The document alleges Mahaffey and a core group of board members seized control of the 50-year-old club in 2021 through a series of disciplinary hearings, secret meetings and a court-ordered temporary restraining order that blocked legitimate elections for months.
“This step was taken by General Member Brenda Duncan (Election Chair) on 11/19/20,” the report states. “Tempers flared. Folks squared off for some impolite ‘conversations.’ Brenda found herself confronted by Conrad, Maple and Burns. Lots of shouting, finger pointing and invasion of her personal space by males who should have known better.” (Document, Page 2)
Duncan later filed harassment complaints with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the report says. (Document, Page 3)
Within weeks, a disciplinary committee formed by then-President Mark Frontera issued written warnings to eight members, including Mahaffey, Vice President Gordon Riddle and Secretary Sue Haley. (Document, Page 3)
By February 2021, the committee banned member Jason Conrad from holding office for three years, barred Maple from office for life and suspended Burns for one year unless he apologized to Duncan — an apology the board later rejected as insufficient. (Document, Page 3)
“Maple did send a letter to Brenda Duncan, but it was rejected by her because it was not an apology,” the report states. “One year suspension is in effect.” (Document, Page 4)
The tide turned in May 2021 when 53 members — exceeding the 10 needed for a quorum — voted 51-2 to remove Mahaffey, Riddle, Haley and Michael Blumberg from the board in a no-confidence motion. (Document, Page 9)
“Motion to recognize Frontera and Brenda Duncan as members in good standing. Motion passed,” the minutes read. (Document, Page 9)
Members also voted to strip Mahaffey and Riddle of check-signing authority at Savings Bank, with Executive Vice President Jessica Mullens assisting the change three days later. (Document, Page 9)
Mahaffey and Riddle responded by freezing the club’s bank accounts, the report alleges.
“Members stated concerns about the Club closing,” the June 17, 2021, minutes state. “They wanted to know WHO had access to mail and WHO made contact with the bank forcing the bank to freeze Club funds?” (Document, Page 9)
Neither question was answered, according to the document. (Document, Page 9)
On June 30, 2021, Check No. 1001 for $10,000 cleared the club’s Edward Jones account payable to the law firm Isaac Wiles — a payment the report calls “Dishonest acts or actions.” (Document, Page 10)
The next day, the board approved another $10,000 to the same firm in a closed executive session with no budget discussion, the document states. (Document, Page 11)
“Motion #8. Additional payment to Isaac Wiles of up to $10,000,” the July 14, 2021, minutes read. “There was also a separate written motion individually signed by the seven board members. Violates Policy and Procedures. Dishonest acts or actions.” (Document, Page 11)
Edward Jones statements cited in the report show the account balance dropping from $195,456.43 on July 15, 2021, to $179,322.90 by Aug. 5 — a decline of more than $16,000 in three weeks. (Document, Page 12)
On Aug. 12, 2021, Pickaway County Common Pleas Judge Randall P. Knece granted the board’s motion for a temporary restraining order, declaring Mahaffey, Riddle, Haley, Byrd, Conrad and Lamb the legitimate directors “with all authority to operate the business of PCSI including… accessing the PCSI financial accounts.” (Document, Page 13)
The order, initially effective for 14 days, was extended and blocked club elections scheduled for October and November 2021, the report states. (Document, Page 13)
“PCS has been damaged financially in that it has been unable to timely pay its obligations,” the board’s revised pleading argued. “Only through the actions of individual members using their personal funds has PCS been able to keep scheduling public events.” (Document, Page 13)
The report accuses Mahaffey of offering his personal credit card to pay $5,000 in liability insurance “with his personal credit card and be reimbursed when the Club again had access to its bank account” — a move that allegedly concealed a $1 million D&O rider added to the policy. (Document, Page 10)
“Neither I, nor any other non-board members I have asked, have any recollection of its discussion or approval,” the report states. (Document, Page 10)
A separate motion approved $10,000 in legal fees to Isaac Wiles “signed by the seven board members” without member vote, the document claims. (Document, Page 11)
The dossier cites repeated violations of the club’s constitution, Robert’s Rules of Order and Ohio nonprofit law, including the cancellation of attorney DeBrosse’s hiring after members approved it, and the retention of Farthing & Steward LLP for $2,500 without bids. (Document, Pages 5, 8)
“Item 3. Riddle was directed to sign the contract with Isaac Wiles and serve as the Club’s agent,” the report states. “Violates Policy and Procedures.” (Document, Page 8)
Public records show a 2024 lawsuit, Patrick Mahaffey v. Pickaway County Sportsmen Inc., remains pending in Pickaway County court.
Mahaffey, Riddle and current board president Gary Lamb did not respond to requests for comment sent to addresses listed in the document. Attempts to reach Frontera and Duncan were unsuccessful.
The Pickaway County Sportsmen Inc., founded in the 1970s, operates a 100-acre shooting range and hosts community events, including fundraisers for the county fairgrounds. Its most recent IRS Form 990 lists annual revenue under $100,000.
The dossier concludes with a warning: “As you may recall, Maple and Conrad were removed from the BOD and barred from ever again holding elective or appointed office in PCSI… until August 12, 2021, they were unable to convene a legitimate PCSI BOD or Executive Committee meeting.” (Document, Page 7)
The anonymous sender included no return address.