Robert Terry Bruce, Sandy Hook Charity Scam, Tennessee 2024

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Tennessee Man Admits Defrauding Sandy Hook Charity Donors

A Nashville, Tennessee man has admitted to defrauding donors to a charity he established after the Sandy Hook school shootings in 2012. Robert Terry Bruce, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court in Hartford.

Bruce founded the 26.4.26 Foundation, which began soliciting charitable donations in the aftermath of the December 14, 2012 school shootings in Newtown. He claimed the charity would use the funds to raise money for increased school safety, support families of victims, and create memorials for teacher heroes.

However, an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that Bruce used most of the funds to enrich himself and support his personal training business. The victim donors, several of whom are from Connecticut, were misled by Bruce’s false representations about how their contributions would be used.

The scheme involved two charity athletic events: the Schools 4 Schools run in Gilford, New Hampshire, and CrossFit Cares in Tennessee. Bruce promoted the events via social media and solicited contributions through an online PayPal account, claiming that all proceeds would go to the 26.4.26 Foundation.

As a result of his guilty plea, Bruce faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He is currently free on a $20,000 bond. Judge Alvin W. Thompson scheduled sentencing for August 30, 2016.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. The FBI’s New Haven Division led the investigation.

The 26.4.26 Foundation was established in 2012, shortly after the Sandy Hook school shootings. Bruce’s scheme to defraud donors has left many feeling betrayed and outraged.