This post is to inform you of a possible veteran scam operation from Oklahoma that may be setting up shop in the DFW metroplex or elsewhere in Texas.

KFOR-TV (NBC Channel4) in Oklahoma City has reported recently on an “organization” by the name of Veteran’s Outreach Mission Inc. run by a man named Bruce Wayne Rhoades aka Rhodes & Sawyer.

Mr. Rhoades is currently a wanted convicted felon out of Oklahoma County, allegedly running  a house raffle in Oklahoma City and collecting thousands of dollars to be used for a” veteran’s rehab center.” Neither the home builder mentioned on the raffle fliers nor the restaurant where the raffle drawing was to be held had any idea their name was being used for such a nefarious purpose.

Moreover, Mr. Rhoades has allegedly used senior citizen employees through an AARP program but never paid them. Any money that was collected during fundraising was (allegedly) immediately taken by Rhoades and former employees claim there were no receipts or books kept. Also in checking with the IRS, neither  Veteran’s Outreach Mission Inc. nor Bruce Rhoades hold any properly registered non-profit, 501 (c)3 status, or lawful registration.

How does this involve Texas?

As of Oct. 18, 2011, Mr. Rhoades has registered Veteran’s Outreach Mission Inc. with the Dallas County court clerk at the address of 1100 W. Main Suite 115 Grand Prairie, TX. That location comes back as a hotel room.

Learn more on KFOR News Coverage: http://www.kfor.com/videobeta/cd382196-ff8f-4845-8791-c357a5d164fb/News/Update-Bogus-House-Raffle-Sparks-Outrage

See the Oklahoma County Warrant for Mr. Rhoades here:   http://www.oklahomacounty.org/sheriff/warrantsearch/warrantdetails.asp?PERSON_ID=186108731

It is very important that we note that each and every Veteran’s claim is different. Just because we were able to secure substantial past-due benefits for one Veteran does not mean or imply that we will be able to do so for you.   In some cases, we may not be able to secure you any financial compensation due to the facts of your particular case.

It is best to consult with a lawyer familiar with VA Disability claims and benefits or a Veterans Service Organization to examine your particular case.  If you would like to discuss your VA claim with a lawyer who handles VA Benefits and Disability Appeals in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and all around the nation, contact the Attig Law Firm, PLLC, for a free consultation with a VA Benefits attorney.

The Attig Law Firm, PLLC, and VA benefits attorney Chris Attig, represents military Veterans in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma (as well as all around the nation) before the VA Regional Office, the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) in claims for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.