(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that an Indiana charity has agreed to stop operating in Ohio after an investigation found that the charity misled Ohioans and misused charitable donations meant to help support active-duty military members.
Under the settlement, America Funding Communities Inc. and its operator, Kristie Jackson, both of Indianapolis, agree to stop soliciting for charitable donations in Ohio. If they violate the agreement, they will be required to pay $10,000 to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
“Charities that operate in Ohio must follow Ohio law,” Attorney General DeWine said. “In this case, Ohioans were led to believe that their contributions would benefit those serving our country, but the evidence showed that most donations were used for personal expenses of the people running the charity.”
America Funding Communities’ stated purpose was to provide care packages and support to enlisted men and women stationed outside the U.S. It raised money in Ohio by soliciting outside grocery and discount stores.
Following a tip from a concerned donor, an investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section found that the organization misled potential donors by using charitable donations for personal or unlawful purposes, failed to properly register with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office before engaging in charitable solicitations in Ohio, and failed to file required financial reports.
Ohioans who suspect misuse of charitable funds should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515. Businesses seeking guidance on charitable requests should review the Ohio Attorney General’s Charity Guide for Businesses.
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Documents
Assurance of Discontinuance (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840