Hugh ‘Stan’ Curtis, Embezzlement and Tax Fraud, Kentucky 2007

Grimy Times Exclusive: USA Harvest Founder Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Tax Fraud

Louisville, Ky. – In a shocking turn of events, Hugh ‘Stan’ Curtis, the founder of USA Harvest, a non-profit organization, pleaded guilty to embezzling $183,354 in charitable donations and tax fraud. Curtis, 65, of Louisville, Kentucky, admitted to stealing the funds from September 2005 through September 2007.

Curtis used his position as sole officer of USA Harvest to divert donations meant for the poor and hungry – our neediest citizens. He deposited $164,620 into his personal account and cashed donation checks totaling $18,734 – and thereafter used the funds for his personal benefit. The $164,620 includes checks written to USA Harvest on August 29, 2007 for $20,000 from Play Like the Pros, LLC and a September 5, 2007 donation from Richemont North America, Inc., for $25,000 which Curtis deposited into his own personal bank account and used for his own personal gain.

Curtis also admitted to failing to report to the Internal Revenue Service approximately $553,891.67 in personal income derived from donations made to USA Harvest. He used approximately $370,537.67 in USA Harvest funds to pay for personal meals, personal travel, and personal entertainment expenses. In total, defendant Curtis failed to pay $270,000 in federal income tax from calendar years 2005 through 2008.

Curtis was determined to be competent to enter a guilty plea by Magistrate Judge Dave Whalin, following an earlier competency hearing held in U.S. District Court on November 8, 2013.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney David J. Hale said, “Stan Curtis used his position as sole officer of USA Harvest to divert donations meant for the poor and hungry – our neediest citizens. He is now being held accountable for his actions. The investigation and prosecution of crimes against charitable entities will remain a priority of my office. Crimes such as this impact the entire community.”

Curtis’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the charity world, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability. The case serves as a reminder that those who abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable for their actions.

Defendant: Hugh ‘Stan’ Curtis

Criminal Charges: Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, Filing False Income Tax Returns

City and State: Louisville, Kentucky

Exact Date: 2005-2008

Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending

Dollar Amounts: $183,354, $164,620, $553,891.67, $370,537.67, $270,000

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