December 04, 2008 07:03 AM UTC

Lakewood-Based Charity Shut Down for Alleged Fraud

• 3 Comments
• by: Skyler

From the Denver Post:

A Lakewood couple who collected thousands of dollars for needy veterans and the homeless were allegedly scamming kindhearted donors and using the money for themselves, Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said today.

The couple was identified as Raymond E. Smith and Marlene Stokes, who operated Family Relief Fund and Disabled Veterans Care Center out of an apartment in the 200 block of South Holland Street in Lakewood.

Authorities said the scam has been going on since 2007.

According to court documents, Smith and Stokes told donors that the Family Relief Fund collects money for Thanksgiving baskets and a food bank when, in fact, the relief fund operates no food bank.

They also claimed that they find recipients through word-of-mouth from families and churches, but they have been unable to provide any names or contact information for those who received assistance.

Suthers said the couple claimed they distributed the money among needy individuals whom Smith knows along West Colfax Avenue. Smith said he also would take people needing assistance to a local King Soopers to buy food.

But Suthers said neither Smith nor Stokes have been able to provide any evidence that these acts of charity took place.