Autism Awareness founders indicted in Washington for violating ...

The founders of an autism charity that faced questions over its Oregon fundraising have been indicted in Washington state.

Thurston County prosecutor Joseph Wheeler this week filed charges against Joseph Searles, 63, and his wife, Rena, 61, claiming the couple violated state laws in operating the charity. Both face several counts of theft in the first degree as well as several counts of operating an unlicensed raffle. Each charge is a Class B felony.

Searles set up the nonprofit, first known as Autism Awareness Washington in 2010. The charity advertised for paid fundraisers to set up tables outside supermarkets and other stores, selling bracelets and bumper stickers while keeping a portion of whatever they raised. But the practices sparked law enforcement investigations in Washington and Oregon.

The group's phone number is disconnected and its Website is no longer active.

According to a Thurston County Superior Court document, the state's investigation found that the group had engaged in three illegal raffles, raising $277,000 of which less than $5,000 was passed on to "legitimate" charities for programs.

Richard Schulte, a special agent with the Washington State Gambling Commission who led the criminal case, said the investigation was triggered by a tip from that state's Attorney General as well as questions from The Oregonian.

Last year the Oregon Department of Justice threatened legal action against Searles' nonprofit following an investigation triggered by a citizen tip and an inquiry from The Oregonian. Public records obtained by The Oregonian in 2012 showed that Searles' group spent just 3 percent of its funds from late 2010 through early 2012 on direct assistance to needy families or autism-related agencies.

The couple face arraignment on Feb. 19.

-- Nick Budnick

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2013/02/autism_awareness_founders_indi.html

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