Posted on Friday, 10.15.10
The Associated Press
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/15/1875591/man-accused-of-us-navy-vet-scam.html
CLEVELAND -- A grand jury in Cleveland has charged the director of a Florida-based charity that purported to raise money for U.S. Navy veterans with corruption and theft charges.
The indictment issued Wednesday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court charges Bobby Thompson with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, theft and money laundering.
The Ohio Attorney General's office says Thompson and an alleged co-conspirator, Blanca Contreras bilked at least 50,000 Ohioans out of at least $1.9 million.
Contreras also was charged Wednesday. She was arrested Friday in North Carolina, where the Mecklenburg County Jail did not list an attorney.
A message was left with an Ohio law firm representing the U.S. Navy Veterans Association.
An arrest warrant was issued for Thompson in August.