Non-Profit Organizations
SOBBS, Inc.Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Non-Profit Organizations.
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This business has 1 alert
Important information
- Pending Government Action:The following describes a pending government action that has been formally brought by a government agency but has not yet been resolved. We are providing a summary of the government's allegations, which have not yet been proven.
On March 29, 2019, the FDACS Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE), opened an investigation into a Solicitor of Contributions: Stories of Babies Born Still, FDACS license CH40585. This case was opened in response to a referral from the FDACS Regulatory Investigative Section (RIS). The referral was a result of complaints received by RIS concerning the SOBBS Charity.
SOBBS is alleged to have misled donors and misappropriated funds that were donated to the charity for the purchase and delivery of a Comfort Cradle Device(s) to a hospital or clinic of their choosing. The named charity collected donations via their website for the acquisition of Comfort Cradle Devices from the manufacturer, Comfort Innovations LLC, a Florida for profit corporation. These devices were to be used as a temporary holding system for still born infants to allow the family to cope and grieve during the tragic event. The investigation revealed that deposits and full payments had been given to the SOBBS charity, however, numerous orders had not been fulfilled. The manufacturer of the cradle, Comfort Innovations LLC, had not received payment for approximately half of the orders placed for the devices.
Results: Acting on the information obtained during the investigation, OALE Investigators submitted a Probable Cause Affidavit to the Circuit Court of Polk County and obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect: Lori Marie Esteve. The investigation revealed the charity's President and Director, Lori Marie Esteve, engaged in a scheme to defraud donors, misappropriated funds solicited and donated to the charity, and failed to comply with Florida State Statutes and regulations concerning charities registered and licensed by the State of Florida. (Case No. 2020CF004299A000XX)
Charges:
Florida State Statute 817.034.4(a)2, Scheme to Defraud for 1 (one) count, 2nd Degree Felony
Florida State Statute 496.415.1, Engage in the Solicitation of Charitable Contributions Without Registration for 1 (one) count, 3rd Degree Felony
Florida State Statute 496.415(13), Violation of Disclosure Requirements and Duties of Charitable Organizations for 1 (one) count, 3rd Degree Felony
Florida State Statute 496.415(16), Failure to Properly Apply Charitable Funds for 1 (one) count, 3rd Degree Felony.
The matter is pending.
Business Details
- Local BBB:
- BBB Serving Central Florida
- BBB File Opened:
- 12/17/2018
- Alternate Names:
- United States Cooperative Caring Campaign Initiative
- Business Management:
- Lori Marie Esteve
Additional Contact Information
- Principal Contacts
- Lori Spray Esteve, President
- Other Contacts
- Rod Esteve, Treasurer
- Additional Email Addresses
- Primary: Email this Business
Licensing information
This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
These agencies may include:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service
400 S Monroe St
Tallahassee FL 32399-6536
Additional Information
- Business Categories
- Non-Profit Organizations, Charity - Local
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