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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE – Former Charity CEO Pleads Guilty To Multi-Million-Dollar Political Corruption Scheme

The former CEO of a charity headquartered in Springfield, Missouri has pleaded guilty to her role in a multi-million-dollar political corruption scheme that involved bribes and campaign contributions for elected public officials in Missouri and Arkansas, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison of the Western District of Missouri.

Marilyn Luann Nolan, 68, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Friday, Nov. 9, to one count of conspiracy to embezzle and misapply the funds of a charitable organization that received federal funds. Continue reading “U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE – Former Charity CEO Pleads Guilty To Multi-Million-Dollar Political Corruption Scheme”

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WASHINGTON – Court rules Washington family broke law by using charities to deceive donors

Haueter family operated four sham charities, keeping more than $1M from Washington donors for themselves

SEATTLE — A King County Superior Court judge today ruled that the Haueter family used their four charities as an elaborate, deceptive scheme to solicit donations from Washingtonians for seemingly worthy causes, while pocketing much of the money for themselves. Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit in December 2017 asserting that the Haueters’ charities were a sham that the family used to enrich themselves by more than $1 million.

“Instead of helping cancer patients and vulnerable children, this family took advantage of the generosity of Washingtonians,” said Ferguson. “That is wrong – and illegal.” Continue reading “WASHINGTON – Court rules Washington family broke law by using charities to deceive donors”

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WASHINGTON – AG Ferguson Files Lawsuit Against Holiday Treasure Chest, Founder

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against the Holiday Treasure Chest Charity Foundation and its founder, Mark Bergeson, accusing him of using the charity for his own personal gain.

In addition to civil penalties and cost and fees, Ferguson’s lawsuit asks the court to dissolve the organization and bar Bergeson, also known as Mark Jensen, from operating any nonprofit or charitable organization in the future.

Continue reading “WASHINGTON – AG Ferguson Files Lawsuit Against Holiday Treasure Chest, Founder”

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NEW YORK – A.G. Underwood Statement on NY Supreme Court Decision, Denying Motion to Dismiss AG’S Trump Foundation Suit

Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood released the following statement in response to a decision by New York Supreme Court Justice Saliann Scarpulla, which denied a motion to dismiss Attorney General Underwood’s lawsuit against the Donald J. Trump Foundation, and its directors, Donald J. Trump, Donald J. Trump, Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump:

“As we detailed in our petition earlier this year, the Trump Foundation functioned as little more than a checkbook to serve Mr. Trump’s business and political interests. There are rules that govern private foundations — and we intend to enforce them, no matter who runs the foundation. We welcome Justice Scarpulla’s decision, which allows our suit to move forward.” 

For more information click here.

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WASHINGTON- Pierce County Judge Grants Injunction Against Fallen Hero Bracelets

TACOMA — Today, Pierce County Superior Court Judge Kathryn Nelson granted Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s motion for a preliminary injunction against Spanaway-based Fallen Hero Bracelets, the Benjamin Foundation and other organizations run by Michael Friedmann. The injunction forces the organizations to cease operations until they register with the Secretary of State and provide financial reports for each year of their existence.

Continue reading “WASHINGTON- Pierce County Judge Grants Injunction Against Fallen Hero Bracelets”