JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced a temporary restraining order Friday against a St. Charles-based individual who allegedly fraudulently took money from donors to the Wounded Warrior Project.
William Harshbarger allegedly solicited donations outside of retail stores in St. Louis County and St. Charles County and claimed he was affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to veteran services. Harshbarger allegedly wore a Wound Warrior Project t-shirt, put donations into an ammo box decorated with Wounded Warrior Project stickers and displayed a letter that purportedly authorized him to solicit for the cause.
Koster alleges that Harshbarger is not affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project and has not provided the organization with any donations.
"Those who would dishonor our veterans through deceit, and take advantage of Missouri's charitable spirit, will be pursued by my office," Koster said. "We will take swift action against those who prey on the goodwill of Missourians, especially on their goodwill towards those who have sacrificed so much for our country."
Under the terms of the temporary restraining order, Harshbarger may no longer unlawfully solicit charitable donations. Harshbarger's bank account has also been frozen.
Koster's lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction that would prohibit Harshbarger from soliciting money for the Wounded Warrior Project, civil penalties and monetary restitution for individuals who contributed to Harshbarger.
Mo. AG obtains order against allegedly deceptive fundraiser
