Ex-Irish Guard Gottlieb a Target of Fraud Probe

The St. Joseph (Ind.) County prosecutor is looking into allegations that former Notre Dame and Tustin High basketball guard Doug Gottlieb bought almost $1,000 worth of merchandise with other students’ credit cards.

Three Notre Dame students claimed Thursday that Gottlieb, who left school in June after his freshman year, made the charges with credit cards he allegedly had stolen from their dorm rooms.

According to Pat Johnson, one of the three students, charges were filed with the campus police. But the matter was turned over to the South Bend police after Gottlieb left school, Johnson said. South Bend police would not comment Thursday.

Jane Gottlieb, Doug’s mother, said the family has hired a South Bend lawyer but declined to comment further. Doug Gottlieb also declined to comment Thursday.

Prosecutor Mike Barnes told the South Bend Tribune on Thursday he would make a decision early next week on whether charges would be filed.

Scott Thomas and Johnson said their credit cards were used to buy $450 worth of merchandise at a sporting goods store. Joe Hand said he had bills totaling $500 from a jewelry store, a restaurant and a gas station.

Dennis Moore, a spokesman for the university, and Notre Dame Coach John MacLeod said they were not allowed to comment on matters regarding student discipline.

Gottlieb, The Times’ Orange County player of the year in 1995, played in all 27 games for the Fighting Irish last season as a freshman. He started 23, averaging 4.6 points and leading the team with 154 assists.

Gottlieb said he left Notre Dame because he was homesick, but MacLeod told the South Bend Tribune the allegations also played a part.

Gottlieb has not said where he will continue his basketball career. He has enrolled at Golden West College.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.