COLUMBUS, Ohio — A settlement was reached after a Columbus non-profit was accused of misusing charitable donations for personal benefit.
According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, three officials used a company credit card for purchases unrelated to the Driven Foundation's charitable purpose from January 2016 through May 2018.
Yost said Roy Hall, a former Ohio State football player who started the foundation in 2009, used a debit card and withdrew cash from an account linked with the foundation.
According to the Attorney General's Office, Hall also received cash in exchange for autographs and did public speaking events in which it was unclear if he was appearing as a representative of the foundation or private individual.
The terms of the settlement stated that the Driven Foundation pay a civil fine of $2,500.
Hall agreed to pay a $5,000 fine. Two others, Josselyn TImko and Sonya Edwards, agreed to pay $1,000 and $500 respectively.
The foundation also agreed to implement new control protections and keep an accurate record of all expenses.
The stated mission of the Driven Foundation is that it provides “multiple outreach events, motivational messages, mentorships and fitness programs to families and youths throughout central Ohio and surrounding cities.”
The investigation stemmed from a public complaint made in August 2018, the Attorney General's Office said.
