Rhode Island Fund Raisers Banned From Soliciting In New York

Attorney General Spitzer today announced that a Rhode Island fund raising company and its owners have been barred from soliciting charitable contributions in New York State.

Under a May 31 court order, signed in Supreme Court in Albany, Liberty Productions and its owners, Thomas J. Gity, 49, of Seekonk, MA, and his son, Thomas J. Gity, Jr., 25, formerly of Barrington, RI, are permanently barred from soliciting charitable contributions from New York State residents.

In a February lawsuit filed against Liberty of North Providence, Rhode Island, Spitzer sought a court order barring Liberty and its owners from conducting professional fund-raising in New York. The lawsuit alleged that Liberty Productions carried out fraudulent telephone solicitations for 16 police and firefighter organizations throughout New York State.

"Liberty Productions sought exorbitant profits by misleading the public and its clients, local police and firefighters," said Spitzer. "There is no room in New York for professional fund raisers who defraud or mislead donors."

In his lawsuit, the Attorney General alleged that Liberty’s solicitors failed to identify themselves as professional fund-raisers and falsely:

• Told potential donors that they were retired police officers, police officers-in-training, or volunteers;
• Claimed to be placing calls from New York-based police stations;
  
  
• Represented that the entire donation would benefit the charity; and
• Promised that New York businesses would be advertised in a business directory with widespread distribution.

Spitzer’s lawsuit also alleged that Liberty understated the amount it raised on behalf of the Ballston Spa Police Benevolent Association (PBA) by over $20,000, thus underpaying the PBA and reporting false figures to the Attorney General.

The matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Nathan Courtney under the supervision of Section Chief and Special Litigation Counsel Robert Pigott and Charities Bureau Chief Gerald Rosenberg with the assistance of investigators Edward Conlan and Susan White.