WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal investigators say that a Tennessee man and his family used much of the $187 million they raised for cancer patients to buy cars, luxury cruises, pay for college tuition and employ family members with six-figure salaries.
Officials said it was one of the largest charity fraud cases ever, involving all 50 states.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, James T. Reynolds Sr., his ex-wife and son raised money through the Cancer Fund of America in Knoxville, Tennessee; The Breast Cancer Society in Mesa, Arizona; and the Children's Cancer Fund of America in Powell, Tennessee.
In an online statement, The Breast Cancer Society denied any wrongdoing, but said it was suspending operations because the investigation was a distraction. The other groups didn't respond to requests for comment.