Judge shuts down “Your Hometown Heroes” veterans group, orders $421,000 judgment for contempt

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Franklin County judge has permanently shut down a group that claimed to be made up of veterans and solicited donations across Kentucky, entering a $421,000 judgment against the organization for failing to comply with court orders.

In an order entered in Franklin Circuit Court, the judge found that “Your Hometown Heroes, Inc.” remained in contempt for not complying with a July 24, 2024 order requiring it to fully respond to the Attorney General’s civil investigative demand and subpoena.

The court noted that an earlier order entered December 11, 2024, had levied fines against the organization for each day it failed to comply with the Office of the Attorney General’s civil investigative demand. As of February 5, 2026, the group had still not adequately complied, according to the order.

Because of that continued noncompliance, the court found that fines of $1,000 per day had accrued since December 11, 2024. The order states that 421 days had passed between December 11, 2024, and February 5, 2026, resulting in $421,000 in fines. The judge converted those sanctions into a monetary judgment of $421,000 owed to the Office of the Attorney General for costs incurred as a result of the organization’s contempt.

In addition to the financial penalty, the court vacated, annulled or suspended the organization’s corporate charter under Kentucky law and revoked or suspended any licenses, permits or certificates it held to conduct business in the Commonwealt.

The judge also permanently barred “Your Hometown Heroes, Inc.” from engaging in any charitable activity or fundraising in Kentucky unless and until it fully complies with the Attorney General’s civil investigative demand to the Attorney General’s satisfaction.

The order can be appealable.

Attorney General Russell Coleman said his Office of Consumer Protection opened its investigation after individuals associated with the organization were arrested in Marion County for allegedly lying to consumers to secure donations. According to arrest documents cited in the Attorney General’s release, they told potential donors they were veterans despite never having served in the military. One individual is expected to face criminal charges at a May trial in Marion County Circuit Court.

“Stealing in the name of those who have sacrificed for our country is not just fraud—it is a betrayal of honor itself,” Coleman said. “These bad actors preyed on the generosity and patriotism of Kentuckians, and we are proud to shut them down.”

Any fines recovered from the organization will first go toward covering the Attorney General’s costs, with remaining funds returned to the General Assembly, according to the release.

Nicole Horseman, State Commander of the Department of Kentucky VFW, said in a statement that veterans “earned their benefits through service and sacrifice” and deserve protection and respect, adding that fraud against those who served will not be tolerated in Kentucky.