SPOKANE – Organizers of a local non-profit say someone embezzled thousands of dollars and two puppies meant for members of the military.
Operation Dog Tag connects veterans with service dogs.
Michael Zorn is the director of Point Man International Ministries, the organization that oversees Operation Dog tag. He said a person posed as a volunteer raised thousands of dollars in the name of the charity, and then pocketed the money.
“We’ve never seen it,” Zorn said.
Two German Sheppard puppies meant for the charity are also missing.
Right now the incident is being investigated by the Spokane County Sheriff’s office. Detectives will make a decision about charges.
Zorn said people who donate to 501 C-3 charities like Operation Dog tag need to ask for a receipt. He added that scams like this are a double-edged sword because when people hear about them, donations often go down as a result.
