4 People Accused of Posing as Wounded Warrior Foundation Employees to Steal $125,000
OutdoorHub Reporters 03.16.18
Four people have been arrested and accused of creating an “elaborate fraud scheme” to steal more than $125,000 posing as fundraisers for veterans.
As Courier Journal reports, several willing donors were duped into believing they were donating to the Wounded Warrior Project, but the defendants played a sinister trick on them.
It turns out, one of the defendants had created Wounded Warrior Fund Inc. and the Wounded Warrior Foundation Inc., and donations were then solicited through those fake organizations, according to U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler.
A news release from the U.S. attorney’s office, says at least two individuals tied to the case created aliases to go by when asking for donations, and made donors believe they were being solicited by former military members.
James D. Linville, 44, of Clarksville, went by Sgt. Bob Davis, while Thomas A. Johnson, 42, of Henryville, went by Paul Bradley.
The other two involved were Amy L. Bennett, 40, of Henryville and Joanie Watson, 38, from Clarksville, the news release reads. Bennett and Watson are accused of picking up checks and donations from those who were solicited.
The four of them have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. Only Ms. Watson escaped the numerous counts of wire fraud faced by the others.
If convicted, the defendants could face 20 years of prison time for collecting donations from over 1,000 people/businesses, which equates to more than $125,000 in cash, gift cards, merchandise and in-kind donations, the press release states.
