Mass. Sues R.I.-Based Veterans Charity

The Massachusetts attorney general's office has sued a Rhode Island-based veterans' charity it alleges uses deceptive fundraising tactics and illegally solicits donations in Massachusetts.

The lawsuit announced Friday names Veterans Community Foundation Inc., its chief executive, and two branch managers as defendants.

Attorney General Martha Coakley says in the suit files in Suffolk Superior Court that the Lincoln, R.I.-based charity violated state charitable solicitation laws by asking for donations outside stores without proper certification from her office. The suit also alleges the charity overstates how much money it collects goes to help veterans.

Kimberly Silva, the chief executive of Veterans Community Foundation, denies any intentional wrongdoing.

The charity says on its website that it raises money to help veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with behavioral counseling, job placement, education and life skills.