Non-profit "Marines and Mickey", whose mission is to send Marines and their families on Disney World vacations and offers other forms of support, is under investigation.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Services have confirmed they are looking into complaints about the non-profit, calling it an ongoing investigation.
One family claims the founder of the organization, John Simpson, who lives in Estero, lied about his service to get money for his organization and kept money which was supposed to help a Marine's son battle against cancer.
The investigation has gotten a lot of attention in the veteran community with many veterans like Nicholas Napolitano saying they hope the allegations aren't true.
"Taking from another serviceman or his family that is rotten to the core," Napolitano said. "Everybody should be checked out and vetted before they're even allowed to do this."
FOX 4 reached out to Simpson about the accusations. He responded in an e-mail with the following:
"We have moved on from this crazy blackmail situation.Our attorneys are currently filing law suites for defamation, slander and harassment. John has moved back to his home in SC and the foundation is still going strong and sending more families to Disney."
While the Naval Criminal Investigative Services determines how true the allegations are, FOX 4 sat down with an attorney not affiliated with the case.
Joan Henry says Simpson could be facing charges for conversion if the allegations are true, adding these types of investigations are on the rise. "There's so many cases that we're hearing more and more as time is going on that people are being taken advantage of," Henry said.
While non-profits tug on your heart strings to donate, Henry says it's important to do a little research before making a donation. "Ask for a financial report," Henry said. "If someone's not willing to give you that information that's a big red flag right there."
Henry recommends using sites like Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, and GuideStar for more information on charities and non-profits.
As for veterans like Napolitano, he says he hopes these aren't true. "I'd hope that it's not true and we have to say he's not guilty until proven guilty."
Below you can read the official statement from John Simpson also found on his website.
This past Friday I was told two weeks ago by Cathy Wells to come to Atlanta to be presented with a Donation. Once on Site, I was approached by two gentlemen that gave me two choices: Hand over my Foundation to theirs plus they wanted to follow me to the bank and have me take out all of marines and Mickeys funds withdrawn and handed over to them. OR they were going to come up with allegations to ruin me and my Foundation. After to speaking to authorities I was told that this is nothing short of Blackmail and extortion. and I will be seeking criminal Charges. Also, myself, My Foundation and its volunteers have been receiving threats via Facebook, emails, and phone calls. Our legal team are taking note of all threats, comments and calls and we will be seeking punitive damages on everyone involved. As far as $135k being stolen... that is completely false. We did several events that had Marines and Mickeys name and Skip Wells' name attached to it, these funds raised sent 14 families to Disney since October 2015. In my opinion, a donation made is not stolen when used for the mission plainly stated and publicly known. Our Mission had existed for over a year and a half prior to the tragedy in Chattanooga. and that is why, Representatives, Representing Ms Wells called my Foundation the night of the tragedy... telling us, they wanted to send all monies expected to be donated to her over the coming weeks to be instead given on to Marines and Mickey for the purpose of Sending Marines to Disney.As far as Stolen Valor, I never said I was a Force Recon Marine, never said I had been on one tour to Afghanistan, much less four.In closing, This is nothing more than a blackmail attempt by a competing foundation.John Simpson
