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Theft/deception charge is headed to grand jury
By Phil Trexler
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Friday, Sep 12, 2008
DeAndre Forney had his own desk inside the LeBron James Family Foundation offices. And he had his own BlackBerry and e-mail account from the charity as well.
But the NBA star's charitable arm told police that Forney didn't have permission to use the foundation name for his own causes.
Last summer, however, Forney organized a charity event at a Sandusky water park to help children and families whose lives were affected by a loved one's incarceration.
The event went over budget and soon the James Foundation began receiving demands for money from vendors, police say.
Forney, a rising local Democrat, is now facing his own incarceration, accused of felony theft by deception.
He appeared in Akron Municipal Court on Thursday and remains free on a $10,000 signature bond.
His case is scheduled to go before a county grand jury next week.
Carmen Roberto, Forney's attorney, said there was never any intention to defraud anyone or any foundation. He conceded the charitable event last summer resulted in losses, but he said Forney has always intended to pay off the nearly $13,000 debt assumed by the James Foundation.
He also said that Forney, 25, did not personally profit from the event.
''It was his full intention, and it still is, to get the bills paid because he thinks its his responsibility to do that,'' Roberto said.
''The one thing we want folks to know is that not one penny from the event found its way to DeAndre's pockets or bank accounts.''
Forney came within three votes last fall of winning the Ward 4 seat of Akron City Council. It was his second defeat. He is also a member of the Summit County Young Democrats and was a delegate at the recent Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Roberto said Forney is heavily involved in the community and local charities.
The event was held June 30 to July 2 at the Kalahari Waterpark Resort. Roberto said about 150 area children and adults attended for free. The program was designed to offer counseling, advice and entertainment to those affected by a family member's imprisonment.
Roberto said no money passed through the James Foundation, but rather another registered charity associated with Forney. Roberto could not immediately identify the group.
Forney sought a variety of sponsors for the event, police say. Those identified as victims in police reports include Subway restaurants, Thomas Limousine in Akron, the Greater Bethel Community Development Center in Akron, Mid-Ohio Party Rentals in Greenwich and the James Foundation.
None of the businesses commented on the allegations Thursday.
About six weeks after the event, Jakki Nance, executive director of the James foundation, contacted police, alleging Forney posed as an employee while organizing the event. His actions, Nance contended, led to a loss of $12,818 by the foundation.
Nance could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards said Nance told detectives that Forney, whom she described as a foundation volunteer, was warned against using the charity for his own work. It is alleged he used foundation letterhead and e-mail addresses to contact vendors and sponsors.
Roberto described Forney as an ''agent'' of the foundation.
He said Forney believes some of the unpaid vendors quickly grew impatient, but Forney intends to repay the foundation.
He said about $19,000 in invoices associated with the event have already been paid by Forney.
''It was never his intention for the [James] Foundation to pay the bills,'' Roberto said.
Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717 or ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com.
DeAndre Forney had his own desk inside the LeBron James Family Foundation offices. And he had his own BlackBerry and e-mail account from the charity as well.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Orrville, Oh
Posted 12:40 PM, 09/12/2008
Operating charitable events under a nonprofit, tax exempt, tax shelter designed to support volunteers without wages and nonunion parasites willing to work for fewer wages than they can afford life, is defiant of realities demands.
Posted 04:40 PM, 09/12/2008
I am really disappointed that my comment typed yesterday was not posted. What is the Beacon looking for? Another gossip column disguised in a comment box? I would appreciate it if my comment dated September 11, 2008 is posted for all readers to see. There is always another side to what most people deem as "news". There is the side that the reporter is not aware of.
Posted 05:05 PM, 09/12/2008
There are many, in spite of the present event, who still believe in DeAndre Forney as being an asset to our community and beyond. He is a youngman with GREAT vision and a passion to help those who are less fortunate than many. A very important thing for every reader to remember is this: what you see/read is not always what it really is. Things happen in life and many times get twisted when other people become involved who are without knowlege of all of the facts. For those of us who love God let us pray for DeAndre who is chosen by God to do GREAT things in the political arena and in the Kingdom of God. For all others... Judge not, least you be judged.
Posted 09:48 PM, 09/17/2008
I am disappointed that the ABJ posted his face on the front page with the allegations and did not report the additional articles that made sense on the same front page. This young man has been a great asset to his church and many organizations in the Akron Community. I am shocked at what appears to be a character assasination without all of the facts. I feel that Mrs. Nance has done our community a disservice without obtaining all of the facts. When DeAndre is exonerated from these bogus charges PLEASE print the information on the FRONT PAGE.
