COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Investigators say money donated to help families of those who’ve died in the line of duty ended up paying for personal expenses including child support and a massage leading to the arrest of two people in Collier County.
This is tied to the Robert Zore Foundation also known as the "Fallen Officers."
A complaint against the organization led to an investigation and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services say it discovered the charity operated without a license.
Investigators say a deeper look revealed the group never even filed to get registered.
Instead, they say multiple transactions were made from the nonprofit’s bank account to the personal bank account of Rosemary Zore.
A police report says in a year’s time she racked up nearly $35,000 and used that money to pay for a trip to the chiropractor, pool services, a massage, and to pay herself. During the same period, Zore paid no taxes.
Also arrested, Michael Randall. Investigators say he’s facing a felony charge for failing to register as a professional solicitor.
The report says as the president and title manager of his company, the Golden Lion Agency, accepted donations for the fallen officers nonprofit even though investigators say it wasn’t licensed.
Randall is also accused of pocketing some of that money.
Randall and Zore's attorney, Chris Brown, said his firm is taking the case pro bono because it involves the Fallen Officers Foundation.
“We did so because, we believed, after initially meeting with them and looking at the facts, that this is a case where intentions are good, but there may have been some sloppiness with paperwork and things of that nature,” Brown said.
Both Zore and Randall are expected to appear in court on July 18.
When asked for a statement, here's what the Collier County Sheriff's Office had to say:
"We understand that the investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may be ongoing. Our community recognizes the sacrifices and courage of our fallen law enforcement officers and their families and if it is determined that anyone has exploited our brave fallen deputies and their families and has taken advantage of the generosity of our community, these acts would be appalling atrocities and those committing such acts should be held accountable."
