"stoney" <stoney@the.net> wrote in message
news:ufbjq1pl3afg0fq4m3m5ka4vuervfjqu45@4ax.com...

http://www.wsmv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4263162

Grandparents of sick child arrested for stealing donations

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- The grandparents of a 12-year-old boy waiting for
a lung transplant are charged with emptying the charity account set up
to pay for his medical expenses.

Charles Norman Vaughn Sr., 61, and Phyllis Vaughn, 55, were each
charged Tuesday with felony theft of more than $10,000 after the boy's
mother said an account for collecting community donations was found
empty.

The couple opened the account in July 2001 for their grandson, Odell
Terry, now 12, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and lung
disease, police Sgt. Billy Williams said.

The donations, totaling about $30,000, were to fund the child's trips
to St. Louis and Memphis hospitals for treatment, according to the
police report.

An accounting investigation showed "questionable disbursements and
inconsistent checks," the report said.

The child's mother, Lana Terry, became suspicious when they returned
from St. Louis after an experimental drug improved his condition
enough to return to Dyersburg.

"So when we got back home," Terry said, "I asked Dad how much was in
the fund. Every time I asked I got a different answer, and each time
the amount was smaller than before. I knew we weren't spending any
more, because we were back home. I called the bank and found out there
was no money."

Terry said she hopes people who previously donated won't be
discouraged by the charges from giving to similar causes in the
future.

"I know it's too late for us now; our ship has sailed," Terry said.
"But please, please, people, there will always be other families and
other children who need a transplant or who have cancer or leukemia."

Wow. That's really shitty :(

"stoney" <stoney@the.net> wrote in message
news:ufbjq1pl3afg0fq4m3m5ka4vuervfjqu45@4ax.com...

http://www.wsmv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4263162

Grandparents of sick child arrested for stealing donations

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- The grandparents of a 12-year-old boy waiting for
a lung transplant are charged with emptying the charity account set up
to pay for his medical expenses.

Charles Norman Vaughn Sr., 61, and Phyllis Vaughn, 55, were each
charged Tuesday with felony theft of more than $10,000 after the boy's
mother said an account for collecting community donations was found
empty.

The couple opened the account in July 2001 for their grandson, Odell
Terry, now 12, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and lung
disease, police Sgt. Billy Williams said.

The donations, totaling about $30,000, were to fund the child's trips
to St. Louis and Memphis hospitals for treatment, according to the
police report.

An accounting investigation showed "questionable disbursements and
inconsistent checks," the report said.

The child's mother, Lana Terry, became suspicious when they returned
from St. Louis after an experimental drug improved his condition
enough to return to Dyersburg.

"So when we got back home," Terry said, "I asked Dad how much was in
the fund. Every time I asked I got a different answer, and each time
the amount was smaller than before. I knew we weren't spending any
more, because we were back home. I called the bank and found out there
was no money."

Terry said she hopes people who previously donated won't be
discouraged by the charges from giving to similar causes in the
future.

"I know it's too late for us now; our ship has sailed," Terry said.
"But please, please, people, there will always be other families and
other children who need a transplant or who have cancer or leukemia."

Wow. That's really shitty :(