Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General's Statement On Admission By Website That It Raised Funds Without Permission

October 26, 2009

"The organizer of an illegal business venture purportedly to raise contributions to benefit the family of murdered UConn football player Jasper Howard claims that it intends to go ahead with shipments of products supposedly sold for charity -- but has continued to fail to register this venture as required by law, or provide information that my office demanded about its unapproved efforts.

"Working with UConn officials, we will continue to carefully monitor this situation, and will take any and all necessary legal action.

"So-called good intentions do not trump the law -- particularly if the illegal activity continues. A public statement by the illegal fundraiser's 'organizer' acknowledges that UCONN declined to do business through the website.

"My office has a responsibility to warn consumers as soon as possible about unapproved charitable solicitations -- particularly those threatening to exploit tragedy, and the public's willingness to give.

"A timely announcement was particularly important to alert the public before anyone purchased suspect and unauthorized merchandise. As detailed in my earlier statements, UConn officials have licensed official Jasper Howard products and ensured that the sales of such products will benefit legitimate, registered charities established by the University to support Howard's family and scholarships."