Not guilty plea in Ohio in Navy charity scam case
CLEVELAND >> A recently captured fugitive suspected of running a scam that collected millions in donations for U.S. Navy veterans has pleaded not guilty to state charges in Ohio.
The man calls himself Bobby Thompson, but authorities don’t believe that’s his name and have been unable to identify him.
A judge in Cleveland refused to set bond for him, meaning he’ll stay in jail. The judge says she’s not satisfied he would appear in court if he’s released.
The man was arrested last week in Portland, Ore., by U.S. marshals after nearly two years as a fugitive.
Authorities believe he defrauded donors of up to $100 million in 41 states since 2001, including $2 million in Ohio. A fraction of the money has been found.
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The charges include racketeering, money laundering and identity theft.