Oregon Files Lawsuit Claiming Charity Founder Spent $837,000 Meant for Wildfire Victims
State alleges Cascade Relief Team founder diverted donations and grant money intended for wildfire, flood and tornado relief efforts.
The State of Oregon filed a lawsuit against Marcus Brooks, the founder and executive director of Cascade Relief Team, for diverting nearly $837,000 in charitable funds for personal use.
Oregon Sues Cascade Relief Team Charity Founder Over Alleged Diversion of Charity Funds
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed the lawsuit against Brooks, who is accused of using donations and government grants intended to help wildfire, flood, and tornado victims in Oregon and Kentucky to fund personal expenses, including casino visits, travel, and vehicles.
Cascades Relief Team obtained tax-exempt status and accepted public donations, as well as government contracts and grants.
Court documents indicate that Brooks, who founded the charity in September 2020 during one of Oregon’s most destructive wildfire seasons, controlled all aspects of the nonprofit but used that authority to redirect funds for his own benefit.
According to investigators, Brooks allegedly moved funds through 26 bank accounts and took out loans in the nonprofit’s name that were never deposited into its accounts. Brooks allegedly also listed board members who never participated in meetings or reviewed financial records, and failed to maintain meaningful financial documentation.
But Brooks allegedly fired staff without disclosing the organization’s financial condition, even after the Cascade Relief Team ran out of money in fall 2023. He also did not notify donors or beneficiaries.
The nonprofit was given funds, including $326,000 from the Red Cross, to assist tornado victims in Kentucky, which were allegedly deposited into an overdrawn account, resulting in nearly $17,000 in overdraft fees. Brooks allegedly used the remaining funds to start a business.
It has also still not been confirmed whether work was completed for a $100,000 grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal for wildfire debris cleanup.
Numerous personal expenses were paid with charitable funds, including:
Sources: Oregon Department of Justice release and State v. Cascade Relief Team complaint
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The state is seeking to recover the money, permanently bar Brooks from serving in a leadership role at a charitable organization, and dissolve the nonprofit.