Special Agents John Ely and Jeff Ehringer were presented the award by U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler during a ceremony on May 30, 2019. “I can think of nothing more deserving than these recipients who exhibited the highest ethical and professional standards while working to ensure the legitimacy of programs intended for veterans and their families,” said Minkler. The agents led a federal investigation and subsequent successful prosecution of four individuals who stole over $125,000 in a Wounded Warrior fraud scheme in which they posed as fundraisers for America’s veterans and their families.
According to court documents, the conspiracy was led by James Linville who filed paperwork with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office to form the Wounded Warrior Fund, Inc. and the Wounded Warrior Foundation, Inc. in a scheme to solicit donations from individuals and businesses residing in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Linville and Thomas Johnson contacted businesses and individuals around the Midwest in an attempt to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Fund and the Wounded Warrior Foundation accounts by stating the funds were for veterans and their families. They solicited funds by telephone, facsimile and in person; many individuals were led to believe they were donating to the nationally renowned Wounded Warrior Project. Throughout the conspiracy, the defendants collected donations from over 1000 individuals and businesses totaling over $125,000 in cash, gift cards, merchandise and in-kind donations.
After pleading guilty, Linville and Johnson were sentenced May 29, 2019, to a term of imprisonment of 60 months and 36 months, respectively. Two additional defendants in this case, Joanie Watson and Amy Bennett also pleaded guilty and were sentenced May 30, 2019, to 42 months and 36 months, respectively.
“The Secret Service is committed to combatting financial crime, especially in a case where fraudsters take advantage of the charitable nature of American citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Ferretti - Louisville Field Office. “I am extremely proud of Special Agents Ely and Ehringer for their work in this case, the defendants used a variation of the name of a proud charity to defraud the public.”
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-- United States Secret Service