Local MS charity halts operations

A local multiple sclerosis foundation is under investigation for allegedly misusing money intended for MS patients, and the nonprofit announced Friday that it will no longer operate as a charitable organization.

After a citation was filed with the Utah Department of Commerce, the Desilynn Multiple Sclerosis Foundation will no longer exist and instead focus on selling art in the business side of the operation, the Art of Giving Gallery and Framing, said foundation co-founder Corinne Turner.

The foundation was funded by profits made from the art gallery, and much of the art was donated or sold at a discount price, under the notion that profits from the sale would go to MS patients. Through staff and volunteers, the foundation provided charity work to Utahns battling with the debilitating disease.

But for a year, the foundation has sold art with an expired license and never filed a new charitable permit application. An audit by the Division of Consumer Protection alleges that money was pocketed by Turner and her husband, Stacy, who founded the foundation with her.

They started their art business two years ago when Corinne Turner was shopping for wallpaper and it turned out to be a valuable art piece.

Of the state citation, Corinne Turner said Friday: "This whole thing is wrapped in lies."

Showing documentation and receipts to prove her personal purchases and loans, she said not renewing the charitable license was "just stupidity" and that proper paperwork for loans was never filed.

"I know that I helped a lot of people, and I know my time doing this is something I wouldn't have changed. I'd do it again," she said, adding she hopes to someday start the MS foundation up again.

Additional allegations listed in the state citation include:

• In 2004, the foundation reported a total income of more than $82,000, but total expenses surpassed $248,000.

• Invoices show $1,543 was used for upkeep in the Turners' home.

• Receipts for $1,700 spent at Home Depot and Lowes detail purchases for gardening supplies, but Corinne Turner said the money was used to build wheelchair ramps for MS patients.

• Payments were made to vendors unrelated to the operation of an art gallery or helping MS patients, like a day spa, online poker gambling site, the Clark Planetarium and a liquor store.