Attorney General's News Release

March 7, 2008

Nixon stops Web site operators from representing that they run a tax-exempt charity to help military veterans

Kansas City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today obtained a temporary restraining order to stop an organization in Independence from representing that it operates a tax-exempt charity to help military veterans. Last week, Nixon sued RCT Development Association and several people connected with the organization after they solicited donations from businesses and individuals online and through the mail and other methods for a program called Helping Our Heroes. Nixon said the defendants made several misrepresentations to potential donors, including claiming that donations would be tax-deductible.

“This order prevents continued violations of laws meant to protect donors and legitimate charities,” Nixon said. “It’s vital to pursue these types of cases so donors in Missouri are able to give confidently.”

Jackson County Circuit Judge Marco Roldan today issued the temporary restraining order that prohibits RCT, Chris Ann McPherson, Russell Rose, Timothy Divers, and anyone acting on their behalf from:

• Operating the Web site www.helpingouramericanheroes.com or any other Web page in a manner that violates Missouri consumer protection laws;
• Representing that they operate a 501(c)(3) charity in connection with the solicitation of donations for military veterans;
• Referencing the Missouri Attorney General’s Office or any of its employees in connection with the solicitation of donations for military veterans;
• Representing in their solicitation of donations for military veterans that those donations will be tax exempt, or that RCT Development or Helping Our Heroes are non-profit corporations;
• Representing in those solicitations that 100 percent of the donations go towards helping homeless veterans or citing a percentage figure that is inaccurate; and
• Soliciting charitable donations in a way that violates Missouri consumer protection laws.

“It is offensive that any organization would misuse the good name of our veterans to prey upon others just to make a dishonest buck,” Hal Dulle, Executive Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission said at the time Nixon filed the suit. “Such people need to be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”

Nixon is seeking a permanent injunction that will order restitution for donors as well as appropriate penalties and costs for the state of Missouri.

Check A Charity via the AGO website

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818