Complaint Review: Mad River Biologists

November 9, 2013

Re: Mad River Biologists / MRB Research, Inc. -- Shell Game

Dear Ripoff Report Reader,

According to the Del Norte County authorities, MRB Research, Inc. was used to launder nearly $1 million in embezzled money from Mad River Biologists.

MRB Research is registered as a public charity. As such, it wouldn't have to pay taxes on that money -- provided it was reported.

Nearly a year after the arrest of Mad River Biologists founder/owner Ron LeValley on embezzlement charges, MRB Research reported nearly $200,000 in income for the previous five years. This was apparently the first tax return ever filed by MRB Research. It was filed by LeValley's "life partner" and MRB Research secretary Charlene McAllister. There are no founding documents or letters of exemption for MRB Research at the California State Registry of Charitable Trusts.

On the other hand, MRB Research could accept donations and grant money and then deposit the checks -- less cash -- to either account. This is precisely the scheme allegedly used by Charlene McAllister's son, Sean McAllister, who was arrested along with LeValley.

At this writing, Mad River Biologists is defunct and MRB Research, Inc. is delinquent. 

Caveat emptor -- let the donor beware.

Sincerely,

Anonymous

References:

"3 accused of embezzling $900,000 from Yurok Tribe", Press Democrat, February 12, 2012pressdemocrat.com/article/20120228/wire/120229537

Affidavit for Search Warrants, February 12, 2012 yurokvoices.com/uploads/YurokSWsandRameysPC-1.pdf

California State Registry of Charitable Trusts: MRB Research, Inc. rct.doj.ca.gov/MyLicenseVerification/ ; go to link at fourth bullet point, "Click here to search for a Organization instead of a person."

enter "MRB Research" in "Organization Name" field and "CA" in "State" field.

Mendocino Coast Audubon Society Board Membership, November 9, 2013 mendocinocoastaudubon.org/mcas_bd_membership.html