Police: Parole absconder admits to stealing from disabled kids charity

A parole absconder suspected of stealing from a disabled children’s charity fundraiser in Waterford Township was arrested Monday and has made a full confession, police said.

John Allen Rowell, 41, of Flint, was taken into custody at a Flint-area motel Monday night and subsequently admitted to detectives that he stole the cash and a check from the Miracle League of Oakland County fundraiser held Jan. 6 at Century Bowl on M-59, according to the Waterford Township Police Department.

The Miracle League provides an organized baseball league for children with disabilities.

As stated in a news release from the Waterford Township Police Department, Rowell stole the bag containing approximately $300 cash and a $210 check from the fundraiser’s registration table and left the bowling alley before anyone realized it. Once the theft was discovered and reported to police, detectives identified Rowell as the thief with the help of video footage and a hotel key he left behind, police said.

Waterford detectives tracked Rowell to the Flint-area motel and took him into custody with assistance from White Lake Township police, Flint Township police and Michigan State Police. Rowell attempted to run from officers just before he was arrested, police said.

Rowell is an absconder from the Michigan Department of Corrections and is also suspected in a robbery under investigation by Michigan State Police.

His criminal history includes convictions for bank robbery, home invasion, possessing contraband while in prison and more. He was put on probation for two years in 2023 after pleading to charges of resisting/obstructing/assaulting a police officer, breaking and entering, and malicious destruction of property in Genesee County.

Rowell is held in the Oakland County Jail. Charges are pending review by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.