Gambrills, MD News (12/3/2024) – Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee have reached a settlement with The Johns Hopkins House, Inc., a tax-exempt charitable organization, and its founder, Robert S. Brown, over violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act. The settlement mandates the permanent closure of the organization and bars Brown from operating or soliciting for any charitable organization within the state.
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The Johns Hopkins House, Inc. had claimed to focus on preserving Whites Hall, the childhood home of Maryland native Johns Hopkins, and intended to establish a museum and fund scholarships as part of its mission. However, state investigators found that the organization misled donors, failed to disclose financial information as required, and used charitable contributions for purposes unrelated to its stated mission.
During 2023, the organization solicited donations through fundraising events advertised to support its goals. These events never occurred, and in January 2024, the organization lost Whites Hall to foreclosure. Despite the financial instability, misleading solicitations continued, claiming that funds were needed to further the charity’s mission.
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The investigation revealed that donor contributions were instead used to cover fundraising expenses and even supported Brown’s personal living expenses at Whites Hall. Following these findings, the Secretary of State issued a summary cease-and-desist order in October 2023, halting all solicitation activities.
Under the settlement, The Johns Hopkins House, Inc. will permanently cease operations, and Robert S. Brown has signed an apology to donors and the community, acknowledging the shutdown. While denying wrongdoing, Brown agreed to the terms of the settlement, which include a permanent ban on engaging in charitable solicitations in Maryland.
Maryland officials emphasized the importance of protecting public trust in charitable organizations. The Secretary of State’s office, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office, oversees charitable entities in the state to ensure compliance with the law and the proper use of donor funds.
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To verify the legitimacy of a charity or report suspected violations, Marylanders are encouraged to visit the Secretary of State’s public registry or contact the office directly. Additional resources, including guidance on charitable giving, are available through the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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