Legal Question in Telecomm Law in New York

Mail fraud?

As a result of Sept 11 a national organization on

nationally syndicated TV raised $5.4million. They

quite clearly stated all money would go equally to

4 different organizations and that donors could

specify a specific organization. The inference

being such funds would not be part of the

allocation.

All funds would go through a nationally known

NPO who would then distribute the $.

Subsequently, the nationally known NPO refuses

to pass on specific allocated money and also

places increasing restrictions and requirements

on the other recipients making it almost

impossible to get the money. They have gone

from being a funnelling organization to one that

institutes such stringent controls that little to no

money is distributed and they therefore get the

use of it.

Any funds not used by a deadline set by them will

revert into their general fund.

It smells highly unethicalk and fraudulent, but is

there mail fraud involved?


Asked on 11/10/01, 5:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Kenneth J. Ashman Ashman Law Offices, LLC

Re: Mail fraud?

In order to evaluate whether fraud, and, in particular, mail fraud, has occurred, one must examine with particularity the false representations allegedly made. Thus, we would need exact quotes of the representations made by the organization regarding use, timing and distribution of funds, including whether there was anything in writing or a transcription of the television broadcast. Only then can one measure whether the organization complied with what it said it would do and, if it did not do so with the intent to deceive (or in reckless disregard for the truth), and if you and others relied upon such statements and suffered damages therefrom, you may have a cause of action (assuming the mails or telephone lines were used).

Anyway, the first step is evaluating with particularity the representations made.

-- Kenneth J. Ashman; Ashman Law Offices, LLC; [email protected]

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Answered on 11/14/01, 11:02 am


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