THE WISCONSIN department of justice FILES AN ACTION AGAINST COMPUTERS FOR KIDS, INC. AND ROBERT A. SZWEDA

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Justice has filed a complex civil forfeiture action against Computers for Kids, Inc. and Robert A. Szweda, concerning the unregistered solicitation of charitable contributions and misrepresentations made in the course thereof.

According to the complaint, which was filed on December 10, 2012, Computers for Kids, Inc. and Szweda have solicited donations of used computer equipment, to be refurbished and given to needy children, and cash.

The complaint alleges that Computers for Kids has failed to register and file required disclosures as required by Wisconsin’s charitable organizations law, Wis. Stat. §§ 440.41 - .48.

The complaint further alleges that in the course of soliciting donations, Computers for Kids, Inc. and Szweda made misrepresentations to the public, including that most donations are tax-deductible, when in fact they are not because Computers for Kids, Inc. is not a registered tax-exempt entity, and that Computers for Kids, Inc. is a certified recycling facility, when it is not.   

The case has been assigned to Sauk County Circuit Court Judge Guy D. Reynolds.  The State of Wisconsin is represented in this matter by Assistant Attorney General Lewis W. Beilin.  The complaint contains only the State’s allegations.  The State bears the burden of proving the allegations.

Copies of the Summons and Complaint are available at the following links: