A Staten Island man is accused of forming nearly two dozen fraudulent charities to collect thousands of dollars in donations that were never for a charitable purpose but for his own personal use, according to the Brooklyn district attorney.
Ian Hosang, 63, faces 12 counts of third-degree grand theft, three counts of first-degree identity theft and one count of first-degree scheme to commit fraud, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced, along with New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
Hosang was released without bail and ordered to return to court on June 22. If convicted, Hosang faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Information about his attorney was not immediately known.
According to the district attorney said, citing the investigation, between 2014 and 2021, Hosang allegedly formed 23 fraudulent charities, most allegedly focused on cancer, and filed documents with secretaries of state across the country in a scheme to collect charitable donations under false pretenses. Among the bogus organizations, Hosang gave it the names “American Children’s Cancer Society,” “Ohio American Cancer Society”), and “United Way” from various places.
According to prosecutors, Hosang has had no affiliation with the American Cancer Society or the United Way, and has no authority to use their names in any way.
Hosang is also accused of allegedly advertising fake charities and soliciting donations on various websites. These donations were traced to Hosang’s open bank accounts and he allegedly used the money for living expenses, including mortgage payments, credit card bills and liquor stores, according to the investigation. According to prosecutors, he raised at least $152,000 in donations.
“This defendant allegedly lined his pockets by defrauding unsuspecting donors who contributed generously to help cancer patients fight their illnesses,” Gonzalez said. “We do not tolerate this type of alleged outrageous fraud, and my office will vigorously seek retribution of counts”.
For his part, Timothy Phillips, legal and risk director for the American Cancer Society, described Hosang’s alleged crime as “inconceivable.”
“This indictment is important to the American Cancer Society as we work to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. It’s not about dollars. It’s about treatment, quality of life and survival,” Phillips said. “It is unconscionable that anyone would try to take that away out of their own selfishness. The Brooklyn District Attorney and the New York State Attorney General are providing critical leadership to protect the integrity of all legitimate nonprofits and the people they serve.” those we serve.”
–
