( – promoted by buhdydharma )
While scams like this are on the constant it seems that under the previous administration and tepublican party congress, with two wars of choice raging, those targeted to Veterans or Military were reaping huge amounts for the conman as well as, well reported, the execs or founders of those supposedly legitimate ones and little to nothing for the Veterans or the Military. No regulation, as we’ve seen in the business community, and certainly no congressional oversite, yet the pols profited as well!
December 30, 2010 – This is the time of year when many of us, for altruistic and tax reasons, are thinking about giving money to charity.
And most of the organizations Americans choose to support are honest outfits that do good deeds and spend their money wisely.
Then there are the horror stories, like the one that the St. Petersburg Times has been covering for much of the past year.
Reporters John Testerman and John Martin uncovered the shocking tale of the U.S. Navy Veterans Association, which raised tons of money even though “almost all” of what it claimed “was made up.”
The Times has much more about its long investigation posted here. {continued}. To listen to the NPR report click here
One who reaped handsomely got elected to of all positions but the Virginia State Attorney Generals office.
Cuccinelli pressured to return donation
05.21.2010 – Democrats question why Cuccinelli won’t give up $55,500 donated by an embattled Navy vets group.State Democratic leaders tried Thursday to turn up the heat on Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, criticizing him for keeping campaign contributions from the self-described director of a veterans charity that is under investigation in three states.
He finally relented and donated his ill gotten gains, but still haven’t heard any word that his office had opened any investigation into this scam Veterans group as other states had months ago and have indictments out as the scammer is on the run!
July 29, 2010 – Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II (R) announced Wednesday that he will give away $55,500 in campaign funds to veterans charities across the state, bowing to months of pressure from Democrats and others.
The sum equals donations made to Cuccinelli’s campaign in the summer and fall of 2009 by Bobby Thompson, a Florida man who served as a director of a charity under investigation in at least four states, including Virginia.
Thompson was a founder of the U.S. Navy Veterans Association, whose solicitation practices have been questioned across the country. Law enforcement officials, for instance, have said they have been unable to locate many of the officers and staff members of the organization listed on official charity documents.