Attorney General Peter Nickles today announced that District has filed a suit against several individuals and companies who have engaged in a nationwide scam to defraud African-American church congregations of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The scam targeted up to fifty predominantly-African-American church congregations in the District, as well as many more in Maryland, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, California and other states. 

The District’s suit alleges that the defendants approached numerous congregations offering “free” computer equipment. As part of the agreement to receive the equipment, congregation officials were required to unwittingly sign documents that obligated the groups to long-term lease payments that amounted to $50,000 or more. The computer equipment was valued at no more than a few thousand dollars, and at times, did not function properly. 

“While it is not surprising that in tough economic times we see an increase in financial scams, what is unconscionable is that these Defendants allegedly targeted their scheme at  religious congregations–groups whose funds are often used to feed the poor, assist people with housing, and otherwise benefit those in need in their community,” said Attorney General Nickles. “The community is outraged at this egregious behavior, and I intend to aggressively pursue recovery on behalf of these congregations, many of which have been severely impacted by this scam.”

Defendants named in the case are Television Broadcasting Online, Inc., Urban Interfaith Network, Inc., Michael Morris, Willie Perkins, and several national leasing companies.

If you have any information relating to this lawsuit, please contact Assistant Attorney General Vanessa Natale at (202) 727-4777 or visit consumer.dc.gov.

View the District sues individuals and companies for defrauding local congregations complaint*