Wednesday, April 19, 2006
COLUMBUS -- Four Mahoning Valley organizations that provide medical and services to people born with birth defects or physical disabilities will share in $215,000 of more than $4 million in gambling proceeds seized by the state.
The state attorney general's office said Tuesday that the Rich Center for Autism in Youngstown will receive $150,000, and Flying High Inc., also of Youngstown, will receive $25,000.
The Jewish Community Center of Youngstown will receive $20,000, and the Potential Development Program, also of Youngstown, will receive $20,000, the state attorney general's office said.
The funds come from a 2002 state probe of Child Care Foundation Inc., an Ohio charity, that resulted in the recovery of $4.8 million in gambling proceeds.
The funds were raised by selling instant bingo tickets in bars and other locations throughout the state with the promise the cash would go to benefit those born with disabilities, authorities say.
Instead, according to authorities, the funds were funneled to those running the scheme.
More than 20 people have been convicted of participating with the enterprise, according to authorities.
The attorney general's office and Hamilton County prosecutors filed a civil suit against the enterprise in 2002 to ensure the funds were distributed to the appropriate groups throughout the state, and the courts have approved releasing the money, the attorney general's office said.