2007 PRESS RELEASES

March 20, 2007
STATE WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF DEPUTY SHERIFFS, INC.
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) cautions consumers that the National Organization of Deputy Sheriffs, Inc., of Benson, North Carolina, has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens in Fairfax and Stafford Counties and the city of Alexandria, for allegedly charitable purposes.  However, as of March 20, 2007, this organization has not registered with or been granted the appropriate exempt status by the Commissioner as required by law.  Therefore, contributors are cautioned that their contributions to such organization may be used for non-charitable purposes.

OCA has received reports that representatives of the organization have gone door to door, soliciting contributions of $35 or “whatever you feel is appropriate for your sheriffs.”  The group claims to be helping the families of officers injured or killed in the line of duty.

In December, 2006, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement that the Office was in no way affiliated with the National Organization of Deputy Sheriffs, Inc. and that any group that was going door to door and claiming it was soliciting contributions for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office was intentionally misleading potential donors.        

OCA recommends that before responding to any charitable appeal by making a donation or by making a purchase in the name of a charity, consumers verify that the organization is registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs.  Current registration status for charitable organizations can be found by clicking here.

Consumers should also determine how much of their donation will be actually used to support the organization’s charitable purpose, and how much will be used for other expenses such as administrative overhead and fundraising.
 
For additional information, call the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs, toll-free in Virginia at 1.800.552.9963 or in the Richmond area call 804.786.2042.