Source: Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Two non-profit organizations based in Maryland and Virginia have been ordered to permanently close following an investigation into financial misconduct. Maryland Youth Club of America, Inc. and Virginia Youth Club of America, Inc. were found to have recruited children from low-income areas to sell candy, presenting the proceeds as supporting scholarships and enrichment programs for at-risk youth, while funds were instead used for personal purposes. The findings emerged from a joint investigation led by D.C. Attorney General Schwalb, in coordination with Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.
According to the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, the organizations collected more than $857,000 in candy sales between 2018 and 2022. The AG’s office stated, “the organization was unable to show that children were paid for their work soliciting donations, or that they received any trips, scholarships, or other benefits.” The investigation identified Jule Huston, a New York resident and president of both non-profits, as the principal responsible. Huston and his associates were found to have mismanaged a substantial portion of the funds, which remain unaccounted for…