CINCINNATI — A man who used multiple fake charities to steal money meant for police was sentenced Tuesday to five years of probation, according to sources close to the case.
Jerry Hinkle, 67, pleaded guilty to a felony count of theft in connection to his involvement with the Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic Association, the Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic Alliance and the Eighth District Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio, all of which solicited donations under the false pretense of benefiting police-affiliated charity programs such as Shop with a Cop.
The Cincinnati Police Department began warning the public about the Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic Association in December 2018.
“We don't call anyone and solicit money," police chief Eliot Isaac said then. "We aren't affiliated with any organization that will have the name 'Cincinnati police' in it that requests money, so always be skeptical of that."
The terms of Hinkle’s sentence require he also complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
