(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that his office has reached a settlement with Chee Chee Rose Ministries of Middletown to end its bingo operations.
“Ohioans have an expectation that charitable bingo games should benefit their charities, not enrich bingo workers and paid consultants. Today’s settlement is yet another example that those who abuse charitable bingo laws will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General DeWine.
In February, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office gave notice of its intent to reject Chee Chee Rose Ministries’ 2010 and 2011 Charitable Bingo Applications. The notice stated the Office intended to reject the applications for reasons including failing to use all net bingo profits for a charitable purpose, operating slot machines and games of chance, improper payments to bingo workers and consultants for bingo services, making false statements on its application, and withholding access to records.
Pursuant to today’s agreement, Chee Chee Rose Ministries agreed to end all bingo operations after December 31, 2011. In addition, Dr. Chee Chee Rose agreed not to conduct, operate, volunteer, or work in any capacity for any charitable bingo game, including instant bingo, after December 31.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office oversees charitable bingo games in Ohio, including instant bingo. The Office’s Charitable Law Section also oversees charitable organizations and non-profit solicitations.
A copy of the settlement agreement is available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.
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Documents:
Chee Chee Rose Ministries Settlement Agreement (PDF)
Media Contacts:
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840