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BCI Begins Examining Evidence in U.S. Navy Veterans Association Case

5/8/2012

(RICHFIELD, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that forensic scientists with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) have started the next phase in the case against long-time fugitive Bobby Thompson.

Today experts began testing evidence seized in Portland, Oregon, where authorities arrested the alleged founder of the United States Navy Veterans Association last week.  The evidence includes nearly $1 million found in a storage closet, along with a suitcase filled with birth certificates and other items.

“Bobby Thompson is a despicable man who did nothing but steal from Americans by appealing to their patriotism,” said Attorney General DeWine.  “He took tens of thousands of individual donations from Ohioans who expected their money was going to help veterans, but that money only helped fill Thompson’s pockets.”

Thompson allegedly stole millions of dollars in donations from people in 41 states under the ruse of the veterans’ charity. Ohio BCI agents and U.S. Marshals found Thompson in Portland last week.  He’d been on the run since 2010.

Attorney General DeWine is also asking for the public’s help to determine the suspect’s real name.   Investigators believe “Bobby Thompson” is just one of several aliases the man used during his lifetime.  Other aliases, released by BCI agents today, include:

  • Anderson Yazzie
  • Alan Reace Lacy
  • Kenneth D. Morsette
  • Dale Anderson Booqua

Anyone with information on the real identity of Bobby Thompson is urged to call 855-BCI-OHIO.

The suspect, who pleaded not guilty to 22 charges against him Tuesday, remains in jail without bond.   He is scheduled to be back in court for a pre-trial hearing Thursday.

Media Contacts:

Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840

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