The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 03:54 PM

Six People Now Under Indictment For Dolly Parton's "My People Fund" Scam

PIGEON FORGE - (Source: Special Report By WVLT) - Six people have now been indicted for trying to steal money from the My People Fund.

The Mountain Tough Recovery Team received a boost this week as The Dollywood Foundation pledged the organization at least $3 million from the My People Fund.

When the wildfires struck, Dolly Parton was quick to stand up help her Sevier County neighbors in need. However, scammers were quick to try and get their hands on some money as well.

At least six people are now indicted for trying to steal from the My People Fund by pretending their houses burned. They're charged with money laundering and theft of property.

David Dotson, the president of the Dollywood Foundation said, "In the beginning, we were vetting very heavily. So it was pretty clear when things didn't match up, so that's where we thought there might be issues and informed the authorities."

Dotson said the illegal activity doesn't surprise him.

"I wouldn't say it surprised me," he said. "I live in this world where unfortunately things like this happen. We went in knowing people would try to take advantage. It didn't surprise me. It saddened me."

He said the indicted suspects put a lot of work into the fraudulent activity, and that a few more arrests may happen shortly.

"They went to a lot of trouble to develop scheme," said Dotson. "They weren't just telling a fib. There was deliberate intention in all of this."

Their court dates are set for October 16 at 9 a.m.

The leftover $3 million from the My People Fund will go to the Mountain Tough Recovery Team to help with counseling, clearing land and rebuilding houses.