Maryland Youth Charity’s Solicitation Ban Upheld on Appeal

A recent decision from the Maryland Attorney General’s office and the Secretary of State’s office has definitively barred Youth Charity DMV Futures, Inc., its president Marcus Smith, and its agent Nathan Jackson from soliciting charitable donations. This ruling upholds previous findings of multiple violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act, effectively ending the organization’s ability to seek contributions from the public. The legal process stemmed from numerous public complaints and a subsequent investigation that revealed significant discrepancies between the charity’s advertised programs and its actual operations.

The investigation detailed a pattern of deceptive practices by DMV Futures, Inc., which involved children conducting door-to-door solicitations for candy and donations. The organization had advertised a range of charitable programming for these youth, including cash awards, educational activities, technology, holiday meals, and enrichment trips. However, the inquiry determined that these promises were largely unfulfilled, with less than five percent of the organization’s revenue being allocated to actual youth programs, such as trips to Six Flags. Furthermore, the charity was found to have failed to file required annual reports with the Secretary of State’s Office while continuing to solicit funds, and to have unlawfully commingled charitable contributions.

Following the investigation, the Secretary of State issued a Cease-and-Desist Order on May 15, 2025, prohibiting DMV Futures, Inc. and its associates from further charitable solicitations in Maryland. The organization and its named officers subsequently sought to overturn this order through a formal hearing. This evidentiary hearing took place on September 11, 2025, leading to proposed decisions on October 7, 2025, by the designated hearing officer, Deputy Secretary of State Michael Lore. These proposed decisions supported the initial Cease-and-Desist Order. The respondents did not appeal these proposals, and they officially became final on October 27, 2025.

Adding to the findings, the investigation also uncovered that DMV Futures, Inc. and its officers continued to solicit donations even after the Cease-and-Desist Order was issued. During this period, the investigation revealed the creation of a new entity, “Teen Legacy, Inc.,” which is not registered to solicit charitable contributions in Maryland. The Secretary of State’s Office is responsible for registering and overseeing charitable organizations operating within Maryland, aiming to ensure that donations are used for their intended purposes and benefit legitimate causes.

Individuals who have been solicited by DMV Futures, Inc. or Teen Legacy, Inc., or by representatives acting on their behalf, are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Charities and Legal Services Division. For reporting suspected violations of charitable giving laws, a dedicated email address has been provided. Maryland residents can also verify the registration status of charities through the Secretary of State’s online portal.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

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