Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
 — 
See All Episodes
Subscribe

Hey, LA listener!

Download our app for the optimal streaming experience

Apple Store logo Google play logo
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
KPCC Archive

State Lawsuit Says Charity Supporting Troops Misused Donations

Jessica Flores
Published Jul 24, 2019 5:58 PM
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Tania Ibanez, Senior Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Charitable Trust Section, announce a lawsuit against the nonprofit organization Move America Forward at a press conference on July 24, 2019.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Tania Ibanez, Senior Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Charitable Trust Section, announce a lawsuit against the nonprofit organization Move America Forward at a press conference on July 24, 2019.
(
Jessica Flores/KPCC
)
Listen 1:04
State Lawsuit Says Charity Supporting Troops Misused Donations

A nonprofit organization that sends care packages to soldiers is being accused by state officials of misusing charitable donations and misleading its donors.

A lawsuit filed by State Attorney General Xavier Becerra says Move America Forward plagiarized images from other charities and used photographs and quotes from veterans without permission.

The lawsuit also charges that the charity’s directors, Salvatore Russo and Shawn Callahan, violated federal tax regulations by funneling charitable assets to a conservative political action committee and at least two political campaigns. 

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Headshot of Megan Garvey
Megan Garvey
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today

Trending on LAist
The Brief