The nonprofit Firefighters Support Services' is halting operations amid accusations of withholding funds intended to help firefighters and victims of fire.
Attorney General Bill Schuette's office says the group and its professional fundraiser, Associated Community Services of Southfield, raised funds through misleading phone calls, and more than 90 percent of donations went elsewhere.
Schuette's office issued a cease and desist order in May against the group, and on Thursday announced a settlement in which leaders of the organization agreed to pay $144,000 over the next three years, and to never serve as directors or officers for another charity. "Michigan residents are very generous, but the unfortunate reality is that we all must be cautious of those that would exploit that generosity," Schuette said in a press release.
"The directors and officers of charities have a responsibility to the public to ensure that their organization's solicitations are truthful. Today's settlement protects the public by ensuring that the operators of this charity cannot deceive residents any longer."