Greetings readers! Welcome back to CertaPet’s weekly newsletter. This week, our report centers around the now-defunct Pawsible Angels Inc.(a service dog charity) being sued by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for misuse of donations. Stay with us to learn more.
Nonprofit Founder Faces Misuse Of Funds Lawsuit As Scandal Shakes The Ohio Service Animal Community
A former Ohio nonprofit founder is facing legal action over allegations of misusing charitable donations for service dog training. On July 24, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a lawsuit in Franklin County Common Pleas Court against Michele Frank and the now-dissolved nonprofit she founded, Pawsible Angels Inc.
The Findlay-based organization (established in 2016) was created to train and provide service dogs for individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. However, the lawsuit alleges that Frank diverted over $25,000 in donations for her own personal use.
Expenditures listed in the filing include rent, utility bills, groceries, debt payments, medical expenses, restaurant meals, clothing, dating services, and piano lessons.
“Ohioans donated to help people in need – not to pay someone’s rent, piano lessons or dating services,” Yost stated. “This is a blatant betrayal of public trust, and we’re holding her accountable.”
According to the lawsuit, Pawsible Angels operated three checking accounts while in service, all of which were accessible by Frank alone. Concerns about the organization appeared in March 2023, when a client posted a negative review online. The review criticized the nonprofit’s services and noted that although a partial refund had been promised, it was never issued.
Two days after a board member raised the issue, Frank submitted her resignation via email on March 28, 2023. The board did not accept the resignation immediately, instead calling for a meeting to address concerns over financial irregularities, tax liens, and client reimbursements.
The lawsuit claims Frank failed to provide access credentials for the organization’s financial records, leaving the board unable to conduct a proper review. By April 4, all board members had stepped down as chaos arose.
In June 2023, a Toledo news outlet reported further complaints against the nonprofit. Three former board members (interviewed anonymously) claimed they were unaware of how the funds were being spent. Although Frank initially agreed to speak out, she later declined, according to the reporter.
The attorney general’s office is now seeking restitution, civil fines, and a permanent ban preventing Frank from managing or serving on any Ohio charitable boards.
Source: NBC4
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
The lawsuit against Michele Frank is troubling many in the service animal community, as it casts a shadow over legitimate organizations doing vital work. The case raises concerns about donor trust and transparency, and may end up creating unfavorable legal fallout in the nonprofit landscape in the long run. We’ll keep you updated about the story as it develops.
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