Charity in soldier's name used by scammers

By: Elizabeth Dorsett - Email

Updated: Tue 2:52 AM, Nov 13, 2012

MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (WKYT)- It's been six months since 19-year-old Dustin Gross passed away while serving in Afghanistan.Today, those who've started sending care packages to other troops overseas in his name are dismayed.

"Someone has been sending letters out, asking people to send $12 to Operation Dustin Gross," explained organizer Jennifer Moyer, while standing outside a legitimate collection point.

Moyer, who helped found the care package program says they've never sent out letters and were surprised to hear from someone in neighboring Bath County who's gotten one. She says they collect at the high school and a few local businesses.

"Sad someone can take advantage of a good thing and turn it to evil... It breaks my heart," Moyer said.

To date, more than 11-hundred packages have reached troops. While Moyer works with the Montgomery County Sheriff, she's hoping nobody else will get scammed.

"We're growing quickly and plan to take care of as many kids as we can."

Donations will be collected through November 23-rd at Check Advance in Mt. Sterling. After that, Moyer says she's hoping to get one more shipment out before Christmas.

Three dead and one critically injured in Louisville shooting