Mel Madarang (WMAL)
CLARK COUNTY, Ind. — A Secret Service investigation led to the federal charges against four individuals on Friday who allegedly have stolen over $125,000 in an elaborate fraud scheme posing as fundraisers for a veteran’s charity.
James D. Linville, 44, Thomas A. Johnson, 42, Amy L. Bennett, 40, and Joanie Watson, 38, were arrested this week, according to a Secret Service press release.
Linville led the fraud scheme by filing paperwork with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office to form the Wounded Warrior Fund, Inc. and the Wounded Warrior Foundation, Inc., the release stated. Through the fund and foundations, Linville and Johnson solicited donations from individuals and businesses in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
Under the aliases of “Sergeant Bob Johnson” and “Paul Bradley,” Linville and Johnson led many to believe they were donating to the Wounded Warrior Project. Throughout the scheme, it is alleged that they collected donations from over 1,000 individuals and businesses, totaling over $125,000 in cash, gift cards, merchandise and in-kind donations.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a legitimate 501(c)3 organization, and is separate and distinct from the Wounded Warrior programs operated by the defendants, according to the release.
“Our American veterans have dutifully served this country through many wars and deserve better than to be deprived of donations from giving donors,” said Josh J. Minkler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana in the release. “The acts of these fraudsters have eroded the trust and good will on those who want to contribute to legitimate fundraising organizations, including those that support our veterans.”
If convicted, all defendants face up to 20 years of imprisonment.
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