PORTLAND, Maine — A man known for his service to veterans and their families is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit he created.
Marcel Badeau, the founder of Operation Tribute, was under investigation for fraud when he committed suicide last month.
According to the court documents released by the U.S. District Court, Badeau raised over a million dollars for his nonprofit over the course of 5 years. Now there’s reason to believe he used $750,000 for his own personal benefit.
Badeau received numerous awards and recognition for his work helping military families through his nonprofit organization Operation Tribute.
Nearly a month after his death, he’s the focus of a federal investigation. Records show Badeau allegedly used donated money for himself and his family.
Badeau is accused of using more than $230,000 in cash, $138,000 in mortgage payments, more than $25,000 for personal cars and $7,000 spent at New Hampshire State Liquor Stores.
Documents obtained from Thomas College allegedly show Badeau provided false information for his child’s financial aid package by under-reporting income, savings and investments.
The investigation also showed Badeau allegedly used $24,000 of donated funds for his child’s tuition.
The FBI agent investigating the case said Badeau did all of this through a side company called Top Shelf Collectibles.
A forensic investigation revealed Badeau laundered money through Top Shelf Collectibles and then deposited money in his wife’s bank account for personal purchases.
Operation Tribute board members would not comment on the information released and the nonprofit’s lawyer could not be reached.
It is still unclear if Badeau’s wife will face any criminal charges in this case.
To reach a suicide prevention hot line, call 888-568-1112 or 800-273-TALK (8255), or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.