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Complaints Filed Against Wichita Abortion Clinic Owner Over Missing $37,000 in PAC Contributions

Contact: Troy Newman, President, 316-841-1700; Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor, 316-516-3034, info.operationrescue@gmail.com; both with Operation Rescue 

WICHITA, Kan., July 30, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Operation Rescue has filed complaints against Trust Women PAC with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) demanding a full investigation into the political action committee that appears to be partially funding a "for-profit" abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas.  

Documentation shows that Trust Women's bookkeeping is so shoddy that it has thus far resulted in FEC fines totaling $4,268, not counting collection fees.

But perhaps most troubling is the discovery that at least $37,118 of PAC money has simply vanished without a trace. There is at least $72,000 more - a quarter of all contributions made to the Trust Women PAC since 2011 - for which there has been no proper accounting.

Operation Rescue is demanding criminal investigations to determine if financial crimes, such as embezzlement and/or money laundering, have occurred. 

The complaint's alleged violations include:

  1. Failure to report contributions to Federal Candidates/Committees and Other Political Committees in a proper manner 
     
  2. Failure to classify disbursements in a proper manner
     
  3. Failure to file a single acceptable report since July 2011
     
  4. Consistent error in calculation and reporting of cash on hand and disbursements
     
  5. Engaging in political advocacy within the state of Kansas without registering with the state
     
  6. Submission of reports through a non-authorized treasurer
     
  7. Use of PAC funds to operate a "for-profit" business (South Wind Women's Center abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas)
     
  8. Disbursements of funds to non-existent entities sharing the Trust Women PAC address.

Trust Women PAC is operated by Julie Burkhart, who also is the Executive Director of South Wind Women's Center (SWWC), an abortion clinic located in the building that was once owned by late-term abortionist George Tiller.

Burkhart has used PAC funds to pay operating expenses for her abortion business. She has also used employees on the payroll of the PAC to staff SWWC.

There is no record that the SWWC has ever reimbursed the Trust Women PAC for the money it spent to operate the "for-profit" business.

"Where has all the money gone? It looks like Burkhart might be 'robbing Peter to pay Paul,'" said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. "This is an indication that South Wind Women's Center is on the ropes financially with the blame falling on Burhart's apparent mismanagement. Embezzlement and money laundering are also not out of the question."

A full report with links to the 9-page complaint and 434 pages of documentation is available at OperationRescue.org.

About Operation Rescue® 
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Click here to support Operation Rescue