An ex- Phoenix Suns Friday’s sentence for ticket manager, who was charged with felony fraud in theft and illegally selling tickets to more than 2,800 team members through a third party between 2017 and 2019, was one year in county jail.
Jeffrey Marcussen worked for the Suns from 2004 through 2019. He was indicted in September 2020 for four felonies, two of which were for filing false tax returns. Prosecutors allege that Marcussen sold tickets through StubHub, an internet ticket retailer site, without authorization. The platform doesn’t allow the Suns to sell tickets.
Marcussen pled guilty in AprilAccording to court records, he also agreed to pay $458 218 to the Suns as restitution. He also agreed to $1,780 for the Arizona Attorney General’s Anti-Racketeering Revolving Fund and $11,818 for the Arizona Department of Revenue. They have been fully paid.
Marcussen apologized to ESPN for his actions. I loved my time with the Phoenix Suns, and had the opportunity to work with many amazing people. I felt it was imperative that I made full restitution to the company as soon as possible. I also want to apologize to my friends and family. I deeply appreciate their love and support. They were there to support me and help me get through.
His one-year sentence will begin on December 1. However, representatives of the state and Marcussen’s attorneys at law firm Ballard Spahr — Mark Kokanovich & Sarah Noe — will confer before then. They will then submit a joint agreement to modify the sentence so that Marcussen can continue working while he serves his sentence.
Marcussen (45) was not involved in the NBA’s investigation of the Suns or majority owner Robert Sarver.
Suns employees received an email from the company in June 2019, informing them that Marcussen had been terminated. However, team sources claim that no reason was given. Marcussen was listed in the 2018-19 media guide as Assistant Director, Suns Ticketing.