Pocono News Section

Kingston Police Warn of Donation Calls

Kingston Police Warn of Donation Calls - Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 5:37PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 @05:37pm EST
KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY - Kingston Police are raising questions tonight about a statewide organization allegedly soliciting funds on their behalf. The only problem, Police say they don't have a working relationship with this organization .

They're not calling it a scam, but Kingston Police are raising questions after a few elderly residents recently contacted them. Officers want to alert members of the community there is no affiliation between them and the Pennsylvania Association for Police Officers.

Chief Keith Keiper with the Kingston Police Department, "We received two calls from the residents asking for pledges for Pennsylvania Association of Police Officers which I've never heard of."

Police say the organization's telemarketers solicited two Seniors for $15.00 toward public safety training and education. This letter says the money collected assists local, state and federal officers.

Cheif Keiper says there's only one problem. Chief Keiper added, "They said (over the phone) 100 percent goes to the Kingston Police Department, well none of it comes to K.P.D. because I've never heard of the organization" We contacted the tax exempt charity looking for President Frank Colello.

Woman over the phone, “He's not at this number how can I help you?" Reporter Jill Konopka stated, “I'm a reporter calling from WBRE news, how are you? “ Woman responds, “Hold on a second."

Finally, an unidentified man answers the line. Man said, "I'm not authorized to comment on that. Call later fundraising company not where you find Frank Colello.”

According to the Department of State, the Association is based out of New York and has a total income of $179,000.00. Its costs include 11 percent for program services, 61 percent for fundraising and almost 15 percent administratively. The Attorney General’s Office says it's a registered organization and so far so good. One official explains fundraisers cannot make false statement about where your donated money is going.

The A-G’s Office will look into the matter, while Kingston Police just want their message heard. Chief Keiper added, "We want the residents of Kingston to know, that the K.P.D are not soliciting anything and if have problem give call right away.”

To contact the Kingston Police Department call, (570) 287-6911. Frank Colello called us back late Thursday afternoon and said he knows his telemarketers did not say any of what's been alleged because the majority of calls are recorded.

Colello went on to explain this is certainly not true. He also stated they don't represent police departments, only officers who want to better themselves on their own.