DeWine seeks info on PJG, its charities

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine wants anyone who worked for PJG Enterprises or is familiar with the activities of the charities it represented to contact his office’s Charitable Law Section.

Others who may have received a call from the Girard-based company should contact the office at 1-800-282-0515.

Lawyers for DeWine had a temporary restraining order extended last week in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court against Paul Grossi and his PJG Enterprises, which was raising money for The American Breast Cancer Federation and American Veterans Federation. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for July 27. Most of the bank accounts associated with the business and the charities have been frozen, and the court’s action requires soliciting activities with the firm and the charities to stop until the next hearing.

Among other things, investigators found that the addresses claimed for these charitable organizations was a house at 53 N. Brockway Ave. in Youngstown, the same as the residential addresses claimed by officers of the two charities and Paul Grossi. All of them are included in the court’s actions.

Grossi has also been charged in Girard Municipal Court with intimidation of a crime victim and soliciting after a complaint of an employee of PJG Enterprises and a Girard Police Department investigation.

DeWine reminds potential donors that when they receive calls seeking a donation to ask questions about who is calling and what their connection is to the specific charity. Professional solicitors, who are paid by charities to solicit on their behalf, must provide basic information about the charity and its location, in addition to their own name, their status as a professional solicitor and, if requested, the percentage of gross revenue that will be retained by the charity.

Warning signs include overly aggressive or pushy tactics, callers who are unable or unwilling to answer questions, callers who offer to pick up contributions or callers who suggest prizes will be awarded for contributions. At any point during a call, consumers are encouraged to hang up if they feel uncomfortable.

For information on charitable donations, or to file a complaint, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov