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Cornelius has questions about Justice-related charities; Governor dismisses claims

WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

Friday, November 22, 2024

Cornelius has questions about Justice-related charities; Governor dismisses claims

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In a file photo, Gov. Jim Justice (left) poses with Wood County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Rob Cornelius. | Courtesy photo

CHARLESTON – The chairman of the Wood County Republican Executive Committee questions whether charitable groups associated with Gov. Jim Justice that have raised nearly $117 million have filed all of the proper paperwork with the state.

Last month, Rob Cornelius asked the Secretary of State’s office to investigate the status and compliance of Old White Charities and a related DBA entity called Neighbors Loving Neighbors.

Old White Charities was and is the 501(c)(3) organization formed in late 2009 by Justice and others to conduct the PGA golf tournament at The Greenbrier Resort, which he owns. Officers included and have included the now-Governor, his wife, children and other Greenbrier employees and contractors.


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An attorney representing Old White Charities called out Cornelius, who has been a frequent critic of Justice.

“After the terrible 2016 floods, the Justice family — along with many others — were privileged to be able to extend a helping hand to thousands of their neighbors and fellow West Virginians who were in need,” said Steve Ruby, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney now in private practice with Bailey Glasser in Charleston. “This stunt trivializes that tragedy for political gain; it insults both the victims of the floods and those who stepped forward to help.

“In addition to his vulgar Twitter postings about Governor Justice and others, the person behind this is well known for politically motivated complaints that go nowhere. This one is no different.”

Old White Charities has made the required corporate reports with the state annually since it was formed, and it also has made the required public reports of the IRS Form 990 from 2009 through 2017. Those filings show the charity has raised nearly $117 million.

Neighbors Loving Neighbors was registered with the Secretary of State’s office in 2016 affiliate of Old White Charities, according to filings and Freedom of Information Act requests Cornelius shared with The West Virginia Record. Neighbors Loving Neighbors focused on flood relief efforts following the 2016 floods that hit southern West Virginia.

Neighbors Loving Neighbors is not registered separately with the IRS or with the state.

“Based on my understanding of this DBA arrangement, all revenue, assets and liabilities accrued of Neighbors Loving Neighbors should be accounted for within Old White Charities,” Cornelius told The Record. “Based on a vast search of the WVSOS Business database, there are no other related charities or entities to these two.

“In West Virginia Code, charities not only have to register with the (Secretary of State’s) Business Division, but there are more substantial requirements in reporting. The most important extra requirement in this reporting is that charities who raise above a certain threshold must submit an annual independent audit by a CPA.”

According to Business Division records at WVSOS and filings of IRS 990 forms for the 501c3 organization, Old White Charities has claimed receipts of $116,877,717 from its formation through the end of calendar 2017.

Cornelius says of that nearly $117 million, only 4.23 percent was actually donated to charitable causes.

“I made a FOIA request … to ensure that none of these documents had ever been filed,” Cornelius said. “It was confirmed … that no responsive documents exist. …

“When I made this initial report … I expressed concern over what also appeared to be millions in missing or stolen dollars in the public Form 990 reports for Old White. After a short explanation of my concerns on 12/16, (Secretary of State investigator Kim Mason) explained her office's relative lack of jurisdiction and ability to charge or enforce more serious offenses. She recommended I take this larger matter to federal authorities.”

Deak Kersey, general counsel for the Secretary of State’s office, confirmed the information Cornelius provided The Record was accurate. But he said there is more to it.

“Charitable organizations have to be registered with the Secretary of State’s office,” Kersey said. “You have to be licensed by the state.”

Kersey said the Secretary of State’s office has contacted Old White Charities for more information.

“Old White has to answer these questions before we either go to a prosecutor or before they file whatever is necessary. Or, it could be determined they don’t have to file anything.”

Kersey said exemptions could apply. And he noted that just because it’s called Old White Charities doesn’t mean it has to register as a charity with the state.

“They are registered as a non-profit,” Kersey said. “One of the questions is whether they have to be registered as a charity. Even if charity is in the name, it doesn’t mean it’s a charity. Its activities make it a charity.

“We’re talking to them about this. We have contacted their agents. They have a February deadline.”

Cornelius has been a frequent critic of Justice, who switched parties from Democrat to Republican after he was elected. Cornelius is chairman of the Wood County Republican Executive Committee. Last summer, state GOP Chairwoman Melody Potter sent a memo removing Cornelius as chairman of the Wood County GOP, saying he “has engaged in multiple acts of constant disunity.” She also named six new members to the Wood County GOP Executive Committee.

In August, Cornelius filed a complaint and petition for writ of mandamus against Potter and Secretary of State Mac Warner. Cornelius argues that Potter did not follow due process in removing him from his chairman position. He says he still is the elected chairman of the Wood County GOP Executive Committee and that the Secretary of State’s office should accept his roster instead of the one submitted by Potter.

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