No Jail For Man Who Collected $76,000 In Fake Charity Scam

WOBURN (CBS/AP) — A Massachusetts man who collected about $76,000 in donations for fake charities that he claimed helped child cancer patients, injured veterans and firefighters has avoided jail.

Prosecutors say 26-year-old Zachary Noonan was sentenced Tuesday to three years' probation and ordered to pay restitution and seek mental health treatment.

Authorities say Noonan once worked for an advertising company that solicited funds for nonprofits. After his employment ended, he continued soliciting money for fake charities that in many cases had names similar to legitimate charities.

Prosecutors say Noonan kept most of the money for his own use and no funds were ever used for their intended purpose.

The scam was uncovered in February when a person who made a $100 donation to a charity found there was no such organization and contacted police.

Among the charities who Noonan ripped off was New England Wounded Veterans.

Andrew Biggio, who runs the organization, was disappointed Noonan did not receive jail time.

"Unthinkable what people would do to rip off charities, mine in particular," he said.

"I couldn't see how someone sleeps at night stealing from soldiers and Marines and airmen who lost their arms and legs in war."

Noonan was ordered to pay $200 a month to New England Wounded Veterans.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)