Maryland – Settlement Announced in Cash on Delivery Charity Scam

Man Permanently Banned By Maryland Officials From Charitable Soliciting After Using Fake Law Enforcement Charities to Solicit Donations

April 17, 2019 – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith today announced a settlement agreement in a case against Stephen D. Everhart, Lion Fundraising, Police Journal and Fire Yearbook, and Lion Fraternal Order of Police Assistance Fund LLC.

An investigation into Everhart and Lions Fundraising revealed that the scam dated back several years, and that Everhart used the donations instead to pay himself, and not to benefit any real law enforcement or fire organization. Everhart used the following fake names to solicit for donations: McKimmie-Catterton Maryland Police Post 2979, Anne Arundel Police Post 2979, Firefighters Association, Maryland Fire Post, Coalition of Police, Anne Arundel Police Stronger Than Drugs, D.C. Police Assistance Funding, D.C. Police Association Blue Santa Drive, FOP Fundraising, Lion Charitable Fundraising, Lion Charitable Funding, Lion Fraternal Order of Police, Lion Police Fire Veterans Fundraising, Lion United Funds, Maryland Law Enforcement Fund, Police Fire Post, Police Fire Veterans Assistance Fund 2979, Police Fire Veterans Assistance Fund, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2979.

“Mr. Everhart’s actions hurt real charities,” said Attorney General Frosh. “He preyed upon the public’s goodwill and desire to support law enforcement and first responders so that he could line his own pockets.”

As a result of the investigation, on September 28, 2018, the Secretary of State issued a cease and desist order citing multiple violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act including Everhart’s failure to register as a charitable organization or as a paid fundraiser, as required by the law.

“Our office is committed to protecting Maryland from those who use deceit to divert charitable donations,” said Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith. “We encourage citizens to report any suspicious charities or fundraisers to our office and research the registration and financial information of a charity.

The settlement announced today includes a permanent, lifetime ban against Everhart from operating or founding any charitable organization, from fundraising for any charitable organization, and a permanent ban from working for any charitable organization for which he would be responsible for soliciting, collecting, or handling charitable contributions.

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