(BRYAN, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Commerce today announced a settlement with northwest Ohio residents who were accused of using their charity to solicit funds for Profitable Sunrise — an alleged international pyramid scheme.
Under the agreement, filed in the Williams County Court of Common Pleas, Nancy Jo Frazer, of Bryan, and Albert Rosebrock, of Sherwood, agree not to hold a position with a charitable organization and not to sell securities in Ohio.
They also agree to dissolve their charity, most recently known as Defining Vision Ministries Inc., and to turn over charitable assets to the Ohio Attorney General's Office to be used for charitable purposes.
In the event that Frazer or Rosebrock violate the terms of the injunction, they will be subject to a judgment in the amount of $710,000.
“The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is charged with ensuring that charitable funds are used as intended,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Under this settlement, these individuals agree to dissolve their charity, to cease all charitable activities in Ohio, and to stay out of the securities business in Ohio. We believe this is a fair resolution to a case that underscores the importance of researching charities and being skeptical of claims that are too good to be true.”
The state had alleged that the defendants violated Ohio’s securities and charitable laws by using their charity, previously known as Focus Up Ministries, to solicit investments for Profitable Sunrise.
Profitable Sunrise, before it was shut down by federal and international authorities, claimed to be a Christian company that would use investment proceeds to help charities and provide investors with large returns.
The Williams County case was handled jointly by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which enforces the state’s charitable laws, and the Ohio Department of Commerce, which regulates securities in the state of Ohio.
Questionable charitable activity should be reported to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515. Potential investors should contact the Ohio Department of Commerce for securities information.
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