FDACS Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement arrests charity president

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) recently arrested Richard Allen Russo for allegedly operating fraudulently as president of the Florida-based Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard (VAVB).

“Our department is committed to protecting Florida consumers from fraud and making sure donations have the intended impact – in this case helping veterans in need,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried.

“I am proud of the work of our investigators to hold those betraying public trust accountable as our department continues cracking down on organizations soliciting charitable contributions in violation of state law.”

Investigation: Referral from the Bureau of Investigative Services (BIS) Regulatory Investigative Section (RIS) in June 2021 led to an OALE investigation revealing that Russo had provided false information to FDACS and was still operating the charity after its registration was suspended.

Results: Based on the information and evidence discovered during the investigation, OALE investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Russo from the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.

Charges: On February 25, 2022, Russo was arrested on the active warrant by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Brevard County Jail on the following charges: Violation of Section 496.405(1)(a) Engaging in Solicitation of Contributions without a License, 1 count, $1000.00 bond; Violation of Section 496.415(2) Submit false, misleading, or inaccurate information in a document with the department, Third Degree Felony, 1 count, $1000.00 bond.

The date of Russo’s court appearance will be set by the Brevard County Court.

Arrestee:

Richard Allen Russo

DOB: 05/13/1961

Melbourne, Florida