MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced a consent judgment Monday against the operator of an unlicensed charitable organization.
Robert Szweda operated an unlicensed charity called Computers for Kids, which solicited donations of used computer equipment and cash to be refurbished and provided to needy children. A default judgment was also entered against Computers for Kids Inc.
Szweda and Computers for Kids failed to register and file disclosures as required by the state's charitable organizations law. The charity allegedly made misrepresentations to the public, including that most donations were tax-deductible. Most donations were not tax deductible because Computers for Kids Inc. is not a registered tax-exempt entity. The charity also allegedly claimed it was a certified recycling facility, when that was not the case.
Under the terms of the consent judgment, Szweda is permanently enjoined from conducting activities related to charitable solicitation without being properly registered with the Department of Safety and Professional Services and from making misrepresentations related to any charitable solicitations. Szweda must provide notice of the consent judgment to each person working under his supervision or on his behalf and must pay $2,000 in court costs and forfeitures.
Assistant Attorney General Lewis Beilin represented the state in this matter.
Wisconsin AG announces consent judgment against unlicensed charity operator
