LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Shortly after releasing the results of its investigation into Kirk Lanam, director of Veteran Service Dogs in Livingston County, WLNS confirmed the organization is not in compliance with state law on soliciting donations.
Veteran Service Dogs does not appear in the state’s database of registered charities. In an email to WLNS, the Michigan Attorney General’s office said the organization is not registered to operate a charity or to accept donations.
“We will be authoring a letter to them, informing them of this requirement and directing them to register or submit a request for exemption,” Spokesman Danny Wimmer wrote in an email to WLNS.
“If they fail to come into compliance, we may take administrative or civil action. The penalties for violating the act … include a civil fine of up to $10,000 for each violation and up to five years in prison for certain intentional violations.”
More:Report: Livingston nonprofit leader embellished military service record for years
WLNS cited business records that confirm Lanam founded the nonprofit in 2018 and received a nonprofit designation from the IRS in 2019.
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WLNS began an investigation into Lanam after receiving tips from volunteers. The news organization found Lanam embellished his military record, educational background, and was convicted by a federal grand jury for three felony counts of computer intrusion.
Lanam has not returned a call to Veterans Service Dogs from The Daily.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware attware@livingstondaily.com.
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