The Attorney General’s inquiry comes on the heels of information and reports from the Red Cross regarding possible fraud in the collection and distribution of Red Cross disaster funds following the recent hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast.
Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr. Announces Inquiry Into American Red Cross
March? 27, 2006
Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., announced today that his office has opened an inquiry into allegations that some volunteers associated with the American Red Cross may have engaged in widespread theft in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Attorney General’s inquiry comes on the heels of information and reports from the Red Cross regarding possible fraud in the collection and distribution of Red Cross disaster funds following the recent hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast.
Attorney General Foti has asked for information from the agency including names and telephone numbers of all persons who participated in Louisiana relief efforts as well as copies of any other internal reports or investigations conducted by the American Red Cross.
“As Louisiana’s chief legal officer, I believe it is the duty of my office to inquire into acts or allegations of misconduct, particularly when they impact those affected by the recent hurricanes that hit our state,” Attorney General Foti said. “This is not the first time we have heard reports of abuse involving some charitable agencies and unfortunately it may not be the last. I think the American Red Cross is a superb organization but if I find that some individuals committed crimes in our state and took advantage of our tragic situation, I will take the appropriate action,” added General Foti.
Attorney General Foti is also asking those with any information about this case to contact the AG’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-351-4889.
???????????
Attorney General Charles Foti Opens Inquiry into Humane Society of the United States
March? 27, 2006:
(Baton Rouge, LA)-Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., announced today that his office has opened an inquiry into allegations involving funds raised for pet /owner reunions by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The Attorney General’s Office is asking the HSUS for an accounting of all funds HSUS raised for the purpose of pet rescue and reunion with pet owners in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The Attorney General’s office has received numerous complaints from pet owners about problems many are having finding their pets following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Through its association with other animal welfare organizations nationwide, HSUS has documented and placed animals in shelters around the country, often resulting in the displaced pets’ adoption. In some cases, pet owners claim that those who are currently caring for the displaced pets are refusing to reunite the pet with the proper owners.
“Once again we will be on the lookout to make sure that those who seek to raise money for Hurricane victims in our state, do exactly what they claim to do when soliciting funds,” stated General Foti, “While I commend the work of the many wonderful charitable organizations that have come forward to help us in our time of need, I also want people to know that they cannot take advantage of our situation in any way,” added General Foti.
The Attorney General is asking anyone with information about questionable fundraising activities by animal groups or any other groups to please contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section at 1-800-351-4889 or visit our website at www.ag.state.la.us.
Read
