DETROIT – A non-profit group says it's collecting donations for Detroit police officer Joseph Weekley's trail in the accidental shooting death of 7-year-old Aiyana Jones, but the Local 4 Defenders have found that money may not be going where promised.
Weekley is charged with involuntary manslaughter in raid that left little Aiyana Jones dead. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the incident which was filmed by the A&E TV show "The First 48."
The case is the front page story on the website of Virginia based company "Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund." The company requests for donations to help Officer Weekley with his defense fund.
The Local 4 Defenders have found that filings show the company collects millions of dollars every year, but sends less than 20 cents of every dollar to defend police officers.
A non-profit watchdog groups gives the company zero out of four stars. The watchdog group says the founder makes almost $200,000 a year and most of your donations go to fundraising.
The company says it will continue collecting as Officer Weekley's trial plays out, saying it will send what it can for Weekley's defense fund. It goes on to say it will put the rest of the money to good use.
Experts say a good non-profit gives up to 80 percent of donations to the intended recipient.
The company is not required to report how much money was collected on behalf of Weekley or how much money was actually sent to help with his defense fund.